Getting StartedPolymer 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 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.
Creating the Mermaid head and body Use a piece white Premo clay and roll into an oval shape approx. size ½ x 1 ¼. Take another piece of Premo and make an upside down rain drop shape approx. size ½ x 1 ½
Sculpting the FaceUse a 12mm metal ball stylus tool create two eye sockets for your Mermaid. Use finger and thumb to pinch and sculpt a nose. Make two eyeholes with the 2mm stylus tool. Use your Exacto knife to make eyelashes and then flip the knife and use the handle to create a mouth.
Attaching the head to the bodyTake your wire cutters and the pointed toothpick and cut ½ piece. Apply some back and bond and insert it half way into the top center of the body, then apply more bake and bond and insert the head on top.
Adding the armsTake the wire cutter and one of the mini wood dowels (flat end toothpick) cut in half apply bake and bond to the end and insert into the body for the arm. Repeat for second arm.
Making shell bikini topRoll two white Premo balls approx. ¼ round then with your finger lightly flatten balls. Then take your clay knife to create lines like a shell then attached them too the Mermaid’s upper body.
Take your Mal Tal Souffle clay and start rolling out 8-9 coils approx. 1 ¼ in size. When making the coil hair, it helps to make the ends thinner and the middle bigger. That way it will cover the back of the head evenly. Apply each piece of hair one at a time to the head and wrap them down the head then curl up at the bottom. Use your clay knife to create lines and texture.
Mermaid Scale bodyTake a small piece of Premo Wasabi and run it through the #7 setting of the clay-conditioning machine. Cut out a ¾ circle with your cutter and attach it to the bottom of your Mermaid.
Take the rest of the Wasabi clay and run it through the #5 setting of your clay-conditioning machine to make long stripes. Use your scalloped scissor to cut strips out. Take your super slicer and make the strips approx. ¼ high. Now take the scalloped strip and starting at the bottom and back of the Mermaid, slowly start to wrap it up the Mermaid. You should be able to wrap around 6 to 7 times. If not just make sure you end and start in the back of the mermaid. Also make sure the scalloped edges are facing downwards.
Insert the eyeletFirst use the eye pin to make a hole in the bottom of your Mermaid so we can attach the wire beaded tail. Then take the same eye pin (¾ inch ), apply bake and bond and insert it into the top of your Mermaid.
Mini Starfish & Belly Button Take a piece of Premo! Accents 18K Gold clay and run through the clay-conditioning machine on the #3 setting. Use a mini star cutter to cut out one star and attach it to the top of your Mermaids head. Use a 2mm Stylus to make a belly button.
Baking your piecePlace your finished piece in an aluminum foil pan with polyester quilt batting. This will prevent flatting the details on your mermaid when baking. Bake in your oven according to the directions in Step One.
Making the Tail Fin Take a piece of Premo Wasabi clay and run it through the #3 setting of your clay-conditioning machine. Use a fin shaped cutter (if you don’t have one you can cut a fin shape out free hand with an Xacto knife) Use your needle point tool to make a hole and a clay knife to create lines. Place on a small ceramic tile and bake in your oven according to the directions in Step One.
Painting your MermaidOnce your pieces are cooled you can lightly sand the white clay areas. Paint the face and body flesh colors. Add some pink to the cheeks and inside the mouth. Paint deep purple to the eyes and belly button using a toothpick. Use another toothpick to create dotted orange eyebrows. Brush pearl white to the shell bikini.Add stripes to the arms. Brush darker orange on the hair and darker green to the scales to show depth and texture. Use some glitter paint to add sparkle to the hair and scales. Once dried apply a coat of matte varnish.
Attaching the Beaded FinCut a 6” piece of 26 gauge wire. Feed it through the hole in the tail fin cris cross and twist together. Add a small pearl, green seed & two emerald green cats eye fancy beads to the wire. Leave ½ of the wire on top apply glue and insert it into the hole. Finally apply thin white rope so you can display your Mermaid.
DISPLAY IDEAS: • Fill a clear mason jar with some beach sand and small shells. Then find a starfish the size of the jars opening and hook your mermaid to one of the ends to hang from inside the jar. • Find a small shadow box, decorate the back with some summer scrapbook paper and display your mermaid to hang on your wall.