Sculpey® III Custom Notebook

Clay 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.

Clay 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 20 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.

Liquid Clay 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 Liquid Polymer Clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately. - Stir Liquid Sculpey® completely. Thin with Sculpey® Liquid Clay Softener as needed - Wash hands after use (we have found that baby wipes work best)

Liquid clay Baking:

• It is important to use oven thermometer when you bake the liquids so that you can ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. • Do not microwave the liquids. They must be baked in a Preheated oven at 275 ºF (130 ºC) for liquid colors and 300 ºF (149 ºC) for Clear – Do not exceed baking temperatures. • If your piece is less than 1/4” bake for 15 minutes. For thicker pieces that are 1/4” or above bake for 30 minutes. • If your liquid project has become yellowed or discolored in the oven, when you remake it, tent it by placing either – folding an index card in half and placing your project under it or by using aluminum foil over your project.

First let’s prepare the mandala shapes so they will be ready to go when we need them. Squirt a small amount of White Liquid Sculpey® (LS) into each of the mandala shapes on the mold. Either spread the LS into all the crevices with your fingertip or with the edge of the squeegee. Bake the LS in the mold at 275 for 20 minutes. When the mold is completely cool, gently peel the baked pieces from the mold. I used the small pieces as they are and cut the larger ones with scissors to fit the hexagon shapes. Set the mandalas aside for now.

If you want to paint exposed edges of your notebook that won’t be covered with clay you should do that now. Allow the paint to dry completely before going to the next step. Cover the outside of the notebook with a layer of white craft glue. Spread the glue evenly with your fingertips so it is smooth. Allow the glue to dry completely. The glue will make a nice surface to stick the unbaked clay pieces to bond the clay to the notebook.

Sheet each clay color through the pasta machine on the thickest setting. Cut out a set of small hexagon shapes using the cutter from each color. Lay the pieces on a piece of paper or parchment paper to make them easy to move around while you’re working on your project.

Place little mandalas in the centers of the Gray hexagons. Trim larger mandalas to fit the Gray hexagons.

Place the hexagons in rows on the cover of the notebook on top of the dried glue. Be sure to place the pieces all close together with sides touching. I placed mine in a pattern of colors and rows

Carefully open the front cover and trim any clay that hangs over the edge from the back side.

Bake the entire notebook to cure the clay pieces on the front cover following the baking instructions. As soon as the time is completed, use an oven mitt to remove the notebook from the baking pan and place it on a flat hard surface like the counter top. Place a heavy book on the clay part of the cover so that the cover stays flat while it cools.