clay rainbow mug

Protect your work surface with a disposable cover, such as wax paper (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 conditioning machine.
TIP: You can also condition by running clay though a pasta machine. Use a designated machine for clay purposes only. Clean hands with soap and water (or baby wipes) before switching clays. Shape clay, pressing pieces firmly together. Wash hands after use.

Roll the turquoise clay into a little rope no more than ¼" [6.3 mm] thick. Bend it into a rainbow shape.

Use the clay blade to trim the bottom straight across, making your first rainbow stripe about 1¼" [3.1 cm] tall.

Roll each granny smith, yellow, just orange, and pink glitter clays into ropes that are the same thickness as the turquoise.

Layer the different shades of clay in the order shown and use gentle pressure to make sure the sides are all touching, and the pieces are sticking to each other. Trim the bottoms again.

Lay the mug down using the handle as a kickstand. Bend your rainbow gently onto the side of the mug. Make sure it follows the shape of the mug perfectly.

Make fluffy clouds from the white ultralight clay. Press eight of them across the bottom of the rainbow and make sure they also form to the shape of the mug.

Make six more clouds and snuggle them under the first row of clouds.

Preheat your oven to 275 °F [130 °C] and bake for 15 minutes per ¼" [.6 cm] thickness according to package directions. Allow to cool completely before handling.
TIP: For best results:

• Bake clay on an oven-proof surface such as metal or aluminum foil. 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.
• Use an oven thermometer.
• Do not use a microwave oven.
• Do not exceed the above temperature or recommended baking time.

Once the mug is completely cool, carefully pop the rainbow off it with your fingertip. Put a little something under the handle so that the handle is being held parallel to the work surface.

Glue the rainbow to the middle of one side of the mug.
TIP: Let the mug rest with the handle propped up until the glue is completely dry. Remember to hand wash your mug after use to preserve the design.

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