Sculpey III® Convergent Light Switch Cover

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 15 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.

To prepare the switch cover, place a thin layer of white craft glue all over the top surface and around the edges. Allow the glue to dry completely. The dried glue will provide a slightly tacky surface that the clay will stick to. Sheet Navy Pearl through the clay conditioning machine on the thickest setting. Make sure the sheet of clay is large enough to cover the entire top surface of the light switch cover. I have had a lot of success with generic light switch covers from home improvement stores. They are make of heavy rigid plastic and can take the oven heat. Texture the sheet of clay by placing the texture sheet on the clay and gently rolling it with the acrylic clay roller. Carefully remove the texture sheet.

Using your fingertip, spread gold mica all over the raised surfaces of the textured clay.

If you accidentally get mica powder in the recessed areas, you can carefully remove it with a damp paintbrush.

Carefully lay the clay sheet over the face of the switch cover. Bend the edges of the clay to follow the shape of the cover.

Trim the excess clay away from the edges of the cover with the clay blade. Carefully turn the cover over with the textured side face down on a piece of barrier paper.

With a sharp pointed craft knife, carefully cut the clay out of the rectangle shaped areas where the switches will be.

Use the medium dual-end ball tool to push the clay into the screw holes.

Remove the excess clay from the screw holes. Touch up all the edges with your fingertips as needed. Bake the clay on the switch cover following the baking instructions in Step 1.

Once the cover is completely cool, paint a thin layer of Sculpey Glossy Glaze over all the areas with mica powder to seal them.