Sculpey Soufflé™ Faux Succulent Box

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.

I used the 1 inch cutter to mix small amounts of the three colors together. Here is my mixes. So 1:1 means that I used 1 circle of each color. The 2:1 mix is two parts Igloo to 1 part Figi, The Figi Jade 4:1 mix is 4 parts Figi to 1 part Jade.

I sheeted out some of the Figi color mix on a medium-thin setting on the clay machine and I used the 1 inch round cutter to cut out several pieces. Then I just pinched one edge as shown. (NOTE! Cut your nails before you start this project!)

Lay the pinched pieces in an overlapping circle as shown.

The next layer was created in the same fashion, using the .75 round cutter and the Igloo/Figi 1:1 mix. I tried to position these petals so that the pointed end was centered between the two petals below it.

I used the round cutter from the mini cutter set to create the final layer of petals using the Igloo/Figi 2:1 mix.

For the center of the succulent, I rolled a small piece of my lightest color and use the largest Etch n’ Pearl to create little petals that I placed around a small ball of the same color. (NOTE: I added a little more Igloo into my mix for this!).

How easy was that? I also used several of these centers as baby plants to fill in around the edges of my design.

To add texture and more colors (as well as fill void spaces between the larger plants), I rolled a rough tube of clay, pulled a piece off and rounded it. Then I put several of them into a bunch and use the small or medium ball stylus to gently press into the larger end of the leaves. (This is modeled after one of my favorite succulents in my garden). These can be created in whatever colors and sizes you need for your design!

I also used the small teardrop from the mini cutter set to create some spiker versions of the succulents. I started by wrapping about 4 teardrops around a small ball of clay. Then I cut the bottom off (as shown). Then simply add some more leaves until you are satisfied with the design!

Once you have your design laid out on a small sheet of paper, place a small amount of the Sculpey Oven Bake Adhesive on the smooth tile in the approximate area that will be covered by your design.

Carefully slide or lift your design onto this area. Wipe away any excess adhesive that you see on the edges – BUT, it doesn’t have to be perfect. I’m only creating a better flat edge for the final adhesive to bond to on the box and making it easier to shift the design to the box after baking.

Bake according to the directions in Step 1 and allow the clay to cool completely.

NOTE: While your clay is baking, this is a great time to lightly sand your box. I decided to leave my box as natural wood, but you can paint yours with acrylic paint while the clay is baking as well!

Slide/work your blade along the tile to release the Oven Bake Adhesive and the clay. You should be able to carefully invert the design and add the air-dry adhesive (mine is Gorilla Glue for Crafting) before applying the design to your box top. I find that rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab helps remove the excess glue, especially the 91% alcohol. Allow to dry thoroughly before enjoying your new box!

Here is a final look at my box!