base

step 1

Do not use unbaked clay on unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Start with clean hands and work surface area. Good work surfaces include wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Knead clay until soft and smooth. For best results, clean your hands in between colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces together firmly. Bake on oven-proof glass or metal surface at 285° (130 °C) for 20 minutes per 1/4” (6 mm) thickness. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME. Wash hands after use. Baking should be completed by an adult.

step 2

Condition black and white clay until soft and smooth. Mix 3/4 block of white clay with 3/4 block of black clay to make grey. Set the remaining clay aside.

step 3

Using the plastic roller, roll out a thin sheet of the grey clay and set aside. Remove the ink stick from the pen.

step 4

Place the outer casing of the pen on the edge of the sheet of grey clay. Roll the casing of the pen up in the grey clay, making sure not to overlap the clay at the seam. Be sure not to trap air bubbles between the pen casing and the clay. Use the plastic knife to cut away excess clay. Smooth the seam with your finger.

step 5

Bake the pen casing according to the clay manufacturer’s instructions and let cool.

step 6

Take the remaining grey clay and split it in half. Shape one half into a large tear drop shape; this will become the head of the elephant. Stretch the tip of the tear drop by pinching and rolling it in your hands to make the trunk. Press the head on top of the pen. Use the tip of the plastic knife to cut a mouth into under the trunk. Condition a small piece of red clay and shape it into a flat half circle; this will be the tongue. Place the tongue in the elephant’s mouth. Use the tip of the plastic knife to make a line on the tip of the elephant’s trunk. Using the other half of the grey clay, make two flat ovals for the ears. Press them into the side of the head. Using the remaining white clay, make two small balls for the eyes. Using a small amount of the remaining black clay, make two smaller balls for the center of the eyes. Press the black balls on to the white eyes. Press the finished eyes onto the head. You will also want to roll out tiny thin black snakes to use for hair. Press the snakes onto the top of the head.

step 7

Bake the completed pen according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once cooled, put the ink stick back into the pen casing and enjoy your new pen!