Sculpey SouffléTM Christmas Cactus

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.

From 1/4 bar of Shamrock Sculpey SouffléTM, make a tapered club shape for the trunk of the cactus. From 1/8 bar of Shamrock, make a smaller and a larger tapered club for the arms of the cactus.

Push two little divots, one on the left and one on the right, along the outside edges of the trunk with the Ball Tool. Push the tapered end of the arms into the divots and bend the arms up at a 90 degree angle. Flatten the cactus to the work surface so that it is flat on the back.

Roll Pistachio into very tiny ropes. Flatten the tiny ropes in stripes on the trunk and the arms.

Use the Needle Tool to score little prickles in the stripes.

From 1/8 bar of Cherry Pie, make a pointed triangle hat and a trapezoid shaped pot.

Wrap the hat around the top of the trunk and the pot around the bottom.

Add an Igloo band across the bottom of the hat and across the pot. Bend the stocking hat tip down and add an Igloo ball.

Drape two black threads from one arm to the other.

Add little flat ovals of each color to the band across the pot.

Add little lights of each color to the strings trapping the black thread between the lights and the cactus.

Decorate the ovals on the pot with the tip of the Knife Tool.

Poke eye sockets with the Blunt Point Tool and fill them with Cornflower eyes.

Prick eyebrows with the Needle Tool.

Use the edge of the round end of the Needle Tool to score a little mouth.

Make sure there is room in the fold of the hat for the ribbon.

Bake the cactus following the baking instructions for Sculpey Soufflé.

When the cactus is completely cool, string the ribbon through the hat. Tie the ends of the ribbon together with an overhand knot and trim the tails.