How to Make Three Polymer Clay Creatures

Slim the Slug

Steps:

1. Using a quarter of the package of tropical green clay, roll a 1-1/8" ball. Roll with some pressure against one side of ball to create an egg shape.

Figure A

2. To make the head: Place the small end of the egg between your two index fingers, with the tip of the egg about 1/2" above fingers, and roll gently between fingers. This will create a neck and a head. Note: Maureen calls this shape, where you have a bulge and then a skinny part, the "drumstick roll." If the head is too big or too small, just roll the clay back into a ball and start again.

Figure B

3. To create a long tail, place clay body on table. With tilted hand, roll large end of egg to create a long tail.

Figure C

4. Bend body at neck and middle of tail to make him curve. Roll up an index card and hold in place with paper clip. Prop head on rolled index card.

5. Using knife edge, cut a mouth. Use toothpick to indent corners of mouth.

6. For eyes: Roll two small white clay balls and two tiny black balls. For eyelids, roll two tiny football shapes from green clay. Flatten footballs slightly and bend into a curve. Try eyes on Slim to see if they are too big, just right or too small. Adjust as necessary. Add pieces in this order: white balls, black balls, eyelids.

Figure F

7. Cut two pieces of wire each approximately 3/4" long. Bend ends into spiral. Poke holes in head with toothpick and push in wires.

8. Preheat oven and bake, according to directions on clay package, keeping head propped on index card. Cool.