Sculpey Soufflé™ Tropical Silkscreened Box

Getting Started:

Please make sure your work area is covered and you are not working on an unprotected surface. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Oven-Safe Work Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Uncured clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately.

Start with clean hands, unwrap and knead clay until soft and smooth, or condition by running clay though a Pasta Machine. We recommend using a designated machine for clay purposes only. When working with multiple colors, clean hands with soap and water or baby wipes (we have found that baby wipes work best) before switching colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces firmly together. Wash hands after use.

Baking:

Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake clay on an oven-proof surface such metal, aluminum foil, an index card or the Sculpey® Clay Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per 1/4" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking; however please note that the baking times may take longer as the glass or ceramic surfaces take longer to heat up. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME.

Prep the box by removing the front hardware and sanding any particularly rough spots or areas of sap that appeared after the prebake. Apply a base coat of the chalk paint. Allow to dry. NOTE: I got a little fancy and mixed some Salt Wash into my paint so I could texture the sides of the box slightly.

While the box is drying, start the silkscreens. Sheet out a block of the conditioned Latte on the #4 (thinner) setting. Make sure that it is large enough for the entire silkscreen. Place the screen with the shiny side down. Squeeze a small amount of each of the 3 paints onto an opened clay wrapper. I use a cheap watercolor brush to quickly dab the 3 colors onto the silkscreen. Yes, this is WAY too much paint! Quickly use your Sculpey Squeege (or an old gift card, hotel room key) to wiggle side to side down the screen to spread and remove the paint. Quickly remove the silkscreen and immediately rinse it clean under running water. NOW go back and admire your silkscreened clay! Repeat this process for another entire screened sheet of clay.

While the silkscreened clays are drying, check if the base coat is dry on the box. If so, apply the mid-tone green to the box, quickly wiping the color with a baby wipe. Set aside.

It has been my experience that these inexpensive boxes are never quite square, so I start trimming small pieces off the edges and continue to refit the sheet of clay until it perfect for the top.

Once you have your fit perfect, apply a little Oven Bake Clay Adhesive to the box and spread it with your fingers. Position the sheet of clay and press gently into place.

If you want to add the twine along the edges, measure each piece of twine to fit. Apply a thin bead ofOven Bake Clay Adhesive along the edge of the box or the edge of the clay and press the twine into place. NOTE: I mixed a little bit of the Gorilla Super Glue into the Bake n’ Bond at the ends of the twine to help it secure into place.

Cut the second piece of silkscreen to fit the bottom front of the box. The two side pieces are cut to the same height as this piece. Use Oven Bake Clay Adhesive to secure into place and add the twine.

Bake the box and add the brads with the Super Glue after the box has cooled.