How to Make a Polymer Clay Miniature Shoe

Materials and Tools:

uncolored polymer clay
orange manicure stick or chopstick
oven or toaster oven
acrylic gesso
paintbrush
nail polish or acrylic ink
ovenproof plate
denatured alcohol
cotton swab

Steps:

1. Knead a piece of polymer clay until it's smooth, soft and pliable.

2. Work the clay into the desired shape, using an orange manicure stick, a chopstick, other small utensils or your fingers. Make sure the shoe can sit flat on a surface without falling over.

3. Bake on an ovenproof plate in a 275-degree oven for about 15 minutes per ¼-inch of thickness. Make sure there's good ventilation in the room. Avoid overbaking. Don't use a microwave oven.

4. After it has completely cooled, wipe the entire surface of shoe with denatured alcohol. A cotton swab can help you reach every nook and cranny.

5. Use a brush to coat the shoe with acrylic gesso. Wash the brush immediately after use. Let the shoe dry thoroughly.