Sculpey III® Octopus Charm

Step 1

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 (also called Curing):

Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake/cure 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 1/4" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking/curing; however please note that the baking/curing 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.

Step 2

To make the octopus, we will use just 1/2 the bar of Berry. Set 1/2 the bar aside for other projects.
Divide the remaining 1/2 bar into 1/3 and 2/3.
The 2/3 piece will be used for the eight legs. Divide the 2/3 into two equal pieces and roll each piece into a 2” rope.
Press a thin rope of Ballerina onto each Berry rope.
Roll the Berry striped ropes to 4” long.

Step 3

Cut each rope into four 1” sections so you have eight equal size pieces.

Step 4

Roll a taper in both ends of each piece. From point to point each piece should be 2”-3” long.

Step 5

Place the eight legs on a piece of scrap paper as shown. The scrap paper will make the octopus easy to move around as you work on it.

Step 6

Take the 1/3 piece from Step 2 and shape it into an oval with your hands.
Press the head on top of the joint where all the legs meet.

Step 7

Randomly curl the legs all around the body.
Tuck a seashell into the curls of the legs and make sure it’s held in place by the legs.

Step 8

Push the jump ring halfway into the top of the head. Pinch the clay around the jump ring trapping it into place.

Step 9

Poke holes in the head for the eyes using the Blunt Point Tool. Push little bits of Black clay into the holes for eyes.
Poke holes along each tentacle.
Prick little eyebrows above the eyes with the Knife Tool.
Bake the octopus following the baking instructions for Sculpey III.
Allow to cool completely before handling.

Step 10

Here’s the layout of the pieces needed to assemble the keychain.

Step 11

Assemble the keychain using flat nose pliers to connect the chain to the jump ring in the octopus and to the split key ring.