premo! sculpey® palm leaf clay dish

Protect your work surface with a disposable cover, such as wax paper (or disposable foil).
TIP: Work on a metal baking sheet (wax paper or 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 through a conditioning machine.
TIP: You can also condition by running clay through 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.

Condition both blocks of Forest Green clay and roll out a sheet of clay on the widest setting of the pasta machine.
TIP: Fold the clay in half after each pass and insert the fold side into the rollers first.

Click here to download and print the template. Cut out the palm leaf paper template, including the small gaps.

Place the paper palm leaf template onto the surface of the sheet of clay. Use the craft knife to trim around the outside of the palm leaf and in the small gaps. Remove the excess clay and the paper template.

Pick up one sheet of the Gold composite leaf and begin tearing off small pieces. Use the small tweezers to add the pieces of Gold leaf to the surface of the clay. Use your fingertip to smooth the pieces of Gold leaf onto the surface of the clay. Continue adding small pieces of Gold leaf and smoothing them into place until you have the desired amount of Gold leaf on the surface of the clay.

Place the palm leaf into the bottom of a bowl and press into the bottom and against the sides of the bowl. Preheat oven to 275 °F [130 °C] and bake on oven-proof glass or metal surface at 275°F [130°C] for 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
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.

Prep the Gold paint marker per the instructions provided on the package. Carefully add Gold paint to the outside edge of the palm leaf. Let the paint dry per the paint pen manufacturer’s instructions.
TIP: Letting the paint dry between painting the outside edge and the gaps will help keep the paint from transferring onto your hands and ending up on the surface of the palm leaf.

Some of the gaps in the palm leaf design may be too difficult to reach with the tip of the paint marker. After you have added the paint into as much of the small gaps you are able to, use a paint brush to get into the remaining small areas. To get paint from the marker, press the tip into the surface of the small ceramic tile and hold in place until paint flows onto the tile. Dip the tip of the small paintbrush into the paint and carefully paint the small gaps. Let the paint dry per the paint pen manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the paint on the edges of the palm leaf has dried completely, use a paintbrush to coat the surface of the palm leaf with Sculpey® satin glaze.

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