Indigo's Sculpey Clay hides - step by step! (Massive DUW!)

[Indigo]

People seemed to like the little hides made out of Sculpey brand clay that I (my husband) made for my baby Temptation, so when I decided I'd make one for Levi, my big guy, I'd post a how-to... and do it myself! So, here we go.

What's needed:
-Sculpey Clay (check www.sculpey.com for availability) or a similar oven-cured clay
-Aluminum foil
-An oven-safe bowl to use as a base for the shape
-A functioning oven
-A clean, flat surface, covered in paper that is securely taped down
-Time and patience!

First, I covered my lap desk in printer paper. I used clear scotch tape, but as I learned while I was doing this, you'll need something stronger, because the Sculpey sticks to the paper pretty well.


I took a cue from Jason and decided to use an oven-safe bowl as a support structure. The one I used for this was too big, but it was the only one he fit into without bits sticking out. And he won't outgrow it for a long time. Here's Jason, my husband, modeling our bowl selection. It's a Pyrex of undetermined size.


I covered the bowl in aluminum foil, so it wouldn't ruin it and so it would come off easier. I had two boxes of Sculpey at my disposal, 1.75 pounds each. Each of Temptation's little ones used just half a box each, but I ended up using a box and a half for Levi's. The screwdriver is not a part of the process... it was just there.


Then came the actual formation of the hide. I asked Jason how he did it, and he said he rolled it out and just laid it on top of the bowl, like placing fondant on a cake, and shaped it from there. After a couple of comments relating to Ace of Cakes, I did my best at rolling it out evenly (1/4 inch thick is the goal for easiest baking) and placing and shaping. I didn't do nearly as well as he did, but he'd taken sculpture in school and the extent of my claywork was making a pyramid-shaped ceramic box like 10 years ago. I left the entrance hole bigger, so he can continue to use it as he grows. He's a fat snake.


It's not pretty, but it's functional. I added a little lip over the entrance at the last minute. Onto the baking sheet, on aluminum foil, it went. It was baked the first time at 275 degrees, for about 30 minutes, and the second time, without the bowl or aluminum foil, for about 15 minutes.


Fresh out of the oven from the second bake, it's a nice matte terra-cotta color. The clay still felt a little soft, but hardened completely as it cooled. Make sure it's completely cool before you introduce it! That stuff gets hot.


And here it is, receiving the Levi stamp of approval. At least the one that doesn't involve changing out the tank.


I hope you found this informative, and hope to try it yourself! And if you want a couple, but are worse with clay than I am, I'd be happy to make and sell some.

[Kalitta]

have you tried this with home made baking clay? i can't find sculpie here and I don't mind mixing my own from a recipe but wanted to know how good or bad it would work with other types of clay.

[Indigo]

I didn't know you could mix your own! Hehe. As long as the clay is baked, and when it's dry it's stable and not easily breakable, it should be fine.

[lord jackel]

have you tried this with home made baking clay? i can't find sculpie here and I don't mind mixing my own from a recipe but wanted to know how good or bad it would work with other types of clay.

This How-to is awesome. Thank You

Kalitta...can you also post your home made recipe for the clay?

Thanks

[Kalitta]

I'm going to make one later today and see how it turns out. The recipe is really simple, and all natural, and you can make your own colors.

Baked clay:
* 2 Cups Flour
* 1 Cup Salt
* 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
* 3/4 - 1 Cup Water

Instructions:
Mix together flour and salt. Add the oil and then slowly add the water and stir until you get a nice clay consistency. Once completely mixed, make into the desired shapes. Bake in a 250 degree oven for approximately 1 hour. This will vary depending on how thick you creations are. One hint, do not make shapes too thick or they will crack with baking.


If you want color, add a drop or two of food coloring to the water before mixing in with the flour and salt.

I'll make it tonight when I get home and take pics.

[Kalitta]

ok, working with the clay I did find a few flaws. The mix is very hard to get right the first time. and I needed a bigger hide so i needed more clay than one batch makes.

Start with two parts flour to one part salt, sifted together.
Add your two tablespoons of oil and mix it in, than slowly. SLOWLY add the water, start with half cup, than drizzle in enough till you get a slightly playdoughy feel to the clay. DO NOT OVER WATER. it will become more like cake batter and won't mold very well. If you do over water, add 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup salt. once that is mixed again, start adding water SLOWLY.

after several corrections, I had a playdough like clay. Working with it was a lot like working with sugar cookie dough, roll it out and mold it to the structure, just make sure it's not too thin on the sides. Any thin spots pulled and tore. Much agrivation later when I realized I was not going to ever be a sculptor, i gave up for now. I placed the dough in the freezer, hoping it will firm up in an hour so I can try again.

[Sasquatch Art]

I was curious do you have any bacterial problems with these hides due to clay being porous?

[soy.lor.n]

I was curious do you have any bacterial problems with these hides due to clay being porous?

Yeah I was wondering that as well....we're you going to use some kind of glaze with your first batch?

[Indigo]

I didn't think about the bacteria before, honestly, but as it sets really well and doesn't go all gloopy again while being washed, the occasional bleach or anti-bacterial rubdown shouldn't hurt it. A glaze would probably be a good idea... I just haven't had much luck with glaze in general, seeing as I can't seem to find any food-quality ones (meaning ones that are watertight and safe to serve food on).