Original Sculpey Grey Elephant Planter

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® Work ‘n Bake Clay 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 15 minutes per ¼" (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.

Take about 1/2 the block of clay and fully work and condition it using a pasta machine.This clay is very soft so it shouldn’t take very long

Cover your can in a thin layer of TLS or Bake and Bond. Completely wrap your can in clay. Leave enough clay at the bottom so that you can cover the bottom of the tin in clay aswell.

You will need the LARGEST round cutter from the round Sculpey cutter set.Roll your clay on the 2nd largest setting of your pasta machine. Cut TWO rounds for every limb of your elephant. You will need 8 total rounds.

Take 2 rounds and roll them into a ball and then into a teardrop. This will give you ONE leg. Repeat three more times. Attach the legs as shown.

Add some black clay for eyes and place on some small eyelids as will using tiny pieces of the gray clay

Make a long snake to form your trunk and attach it to the center of the “face” of your elephant. Use the medium ball tool from the “Style and Detail” tool set to form his nostrils. Bend and pose the trunk as you see fit

Again cut 4 more rounds of clay from your sheet, rolled at the 2nd thickest setting of your pasta machine. Take the two rounds and roll them together to form a ball and then flatten to form a pancake. Repeat for the remaining two. Place the two rounds on your choice of a Sculpey Texture mat. Press gently to add a nice textured background. Don’t press too deeply, you just want a hint of something going on.

Add the ears onto the top and side of your elephant. I made mine “hug” the side of the jar for added stability.

Add any chalk powders or other details you’d like. Bake for ONE HOUR at 275 degrees. After baking, fill your elephant planter with some dirt, add a plant of your choice and watch it grow. Be careful not to overwater your plant!