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Amphibians
Clay Salamander Pen

Designed by Linda Peterson
1202-3

When you see the “helping hand” symbol on a project, it means you may need adult supervision to do the project. Always cover your work surface with a mat or some type of protective covering like wax paper or plastic. Always use care when using tools or a heat source. Be careful and safe!






Main supplies:

  • Fimo® Soft – Modeling material – oven hardening. Brown and two shades of blue or three colors of your choice.
  • Modeling clay tools
  • Bic® Round Stick Ink Pen ( note: not all pens will withstand the heat of the oven, if in
    doubt test a pen case in the oven before covering with clay.)

Basic Supplies:

  • Scissors
  • Pliers
  • Toothpicks
  • Pasta machine (use only for clay not food) or rolling pin
  • Paper and pencil

Instructions:

All sizes are approximate. If it looks too big, it is … take out some clay and if it looks to small, add some clay. Just remember to have fun.

Pen Tree Branch
1.  Have an adult help remove the ink cartridge from the pen with pliers.
2.  Draw a rectangle 4 ¾” long by 1 1/8” wide on the paper. Cut it out.
3.  Condition and flatten the brown clay to about 1/8” thick. Place the paper template onto the brown clay and trace around it with a toothpick. Use scissors or a plastic knife from the modeling tools to cut out the clay.
4.  Wrap the clay around the empty pen cartridge. Smooth the seams with your fingers. Use a toothpick or one of the modeling tools to draw lines to make it look like a tree branch. Roll a small log (approximately ½”) and add to the tree for a smaller branch. Add lines.

Salamander  
1.  Create a 1” ball of each color. Roll these balls into logs and twist them together to marble the colors. Do not mix the colors completely.
2.  Body: Divide the clay into two equal parts. Roll one ball into a tapered log shape. This shape should be thick at one end and thin and pointed at the other end. Curl the thin end up into a coil for the tail.
3.  Legs: Roll four  ½” size balls into tapered logs approximately 1” long. Draw in foot marks with a toothpick. Press the legs to the side of the body.
4.  Head: Roll a 3/4 “ size ball of marbled clay. Shape this into a triangle shape. Make an indentation with your thumb on the bottom of the triangle. Press the head (with the point of the triangle facing upwards) to the body.
5.  Roll two ¼” size balls of a solid color. Press slightly flat. Press these balls to each side of the head for eyes. Poke a hole in the center for the eye.
6. Add texture to the head and body if you like with the tip of a ball point pen
7.  Bake on a tile or piece of glass according to manufacturer’s recommended baking temperature and time. Allow to cool completely. Replace the ink cartridge.

Sponsored by Staedtler®
www.staedtler.us

   

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