Original Sculpey® Sunflower

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

Start with 1/4 bar of Original White Sculpey®. You can make the size of your sunflower as large or as small as you like using more or less clay. Just be sure to make the shapes proportionate to each other.

Roll a rope 1/4” thick. Divide the rope into twenty-six 1/4” long pieces with the Clay Blade. Roll each one into a ball.

Step 3

Then shape the balls into long tapered pieces, pointed on each end.

Step 4

Place a petal in the palm of your hand. Use the 12 mm Ball Tool (largest one) to roll and flatten the piece into a shaped petal.

Step 5

Repeat until every petal is flattened and curled.
Position the petals in a radiating pattern as shown. Use 13 petals for the base.

Step 6

Place 13 more petals on top of the base layer. Use fingertip pressure to make sure the top layer connects to the bottom layer around the inner edges

Step 7

Make a thick ball that is large enough to touch all the tips in the center circle as shown.

Step 8

Flatten the center ball with the palm of your hand. Dome the center up in the middle.

Step 9

Use the 6 mm Ball Tool (medium tool) to texture the center area with close set divots.

Step 10

Make a little ball, a large teardrop, and four smaller flat teardrop wings to create a little bee for the center of the sunflower.

Step 11

Arrange the little bee parts on top of the sunflower making sure the bee makes good contact with the sunflower below.

Bake the sunflower with the bee on top following the baking instructions. Allow to cool completely before handling.

Step 12

Paint the sunflower and bee as shown. If desired, use sandpaper to remove paint from raised surfaces once the paint is completely dry.