premo! Sculpey Nutty Squirrel

Getting Started:Polymer clay may stain. CLAY MAY DAMAGE UNPROTECTED FURNITURE OR FINISHED SURFACES. DO NOT USE polymer clay on unprotected surfaces. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Work ‘n Bake Clay Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Start with clean hands and work surface area. Knead clay until soft and smooth. For best results, clean your hands in between colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces together firmly. Bake on oven-proof glass or metal surface at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per ¼" (6 mm) thickness. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME. Wash hands after use. Baking should be completed by an adult. Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). Test temperature with oven thermometer for perfectly cured clay. For best results, condition all clay by running it through the Clay Conditioning Machine for several passes on the widest setting. Fold the clay in half after each pass and insert the fold side into the rollers first.

Make egg shaped foil core for squirrel body (make sure to completely compact the foil to reduce air bubbles from occurring) approximately 2 inches tall x 1 ½ inches wide at base-narrowing at the top. Make a tail shaped foil core strip about 4 – 4 ½ inches long, about 1 inch wide at widest point-tapering to about ¼ inch at one end.

Cover both foil pieces with the Gray Granite clay (there will be left over clay). Insert small length of craft wire about 1-1/4 inches long in the narrow end of the tail piece (exposing about ½ inch to insert tail on body).

Roll out little arm & feet shapes as pictured. Use needle tool to make toe/finger lines-shape w/your fingers & smooth as needed. The top portion of the squirrel body will be referred to as the squirrel head. Roll out 2 tiny Gray Granite ear (balls), attach to top of squirrel head with the small ball stylus and smooth with bottom of Style and Detail tool.

Roll out small gray snout shape, rounded at one end, flattened at the end that will be blended onto the head. Cut a slit and insert two tiny white teeth (roll out a small rice shaped white piece of clay, cut in half and slightly flatten for teeth). Attach a small flattened ball of black clay to tip of snout for the nose. I like to use a tiny metal fingernail file to add texture to the nose. Attach to the head portion of the squirrel body. Roll out two small black eyes. Use the medium ball stylus to create impressions on the squirrel body/head to insert the eyes. Attach feet by slightly flattening one end and placing the squirrel body on top of the flattened ends with the “toesâ€ protruding. To finish the tail, gently roll and slightly twist the tail form after it has been covered in the Gray Granite clay. Insert/attach to the body with the small length of 20 gauge craft wire.

To make an acorn for the squirrel to hold in its hands, roll a small ball shaped piece from the Gold clay. Make a “capâ€ for the acorn by mixing a tiny amount of Gold clay into the Jungle (green) hue. Form a cap shape on top of the large ball stylus. Gently texturize with the squared end of the Style and Detail Tool and the needle tool. Gently remove the cap from the Style and Detail Tool and place on top of the Gold acorn. Cut a small ½ piece of 20 gauge craft wire and use to attach the acorn to the squirrel body. Attach the arms to the squirrel body and have the hands touch/hold the acorn. Use the needle tool and gently press and drag on the unbaked squirrel body and tail to leave fur “linesâ€. Add accent lines around eyes, etc. as desired.

Bake finished squirrel as directed above. Support tail with foil and or cotton fiber to keep from falling off the body during baking.

Once completely cool, add a patina by applying Chocolate Brown acrylic paint to small areas at a time and immediately wiping off. Use tiny amounts of the neon pink to dry brush onto cheeks to highlight. Apply Sculpey Gloss to eyes, teeth, nose, acorn & inner ears.