Here's a lovely project lesson from Gwen Baker that utilizes the new Studio by Sculpey© clay, as well as some of their accessories. As can be seen below, Gwen has created a beautiful decoration, and she now shares her ideas for all to enjoy.

Materials:

• 6 Inch Mirror
• Studio by Sculpey clay: 1 bar each Iris, Clover, and Nutmeg
• Studio by Sculpey tools and accessories: Basic Tool Kit or Style and Detail Set
• Optional: Warm White stain or Brown antiquing medium.
• Studio by Sculpey Leaf Set II - Medium Ivy Texture Maker and Shape Maker

1. Preheat your oven to 275º



2. Condition the Studio by Sculpey Clover clay, then roll into a sheet about 1/8" thick (thickest setting on a pasta machine)



3. Mist the clay lightly with water. Using the Vein Texture Maker for the Medium Ivy Leaf, make 6 impressions. Now use the Medium Ivy Shape Maker to cut out 6 medium ivy leaves.



4. Take one ivy leaf at a time and place the leaf in the palm of the hand. Use either the 12mm Style and Detail tool, or the rounded end of the tool from the Basic Tool Kit, and roll the tool around the edge of the leaf. Do this in the center of the palm (the fleshy part - see right) and thin the edges, keeping the basic shape thick in the center and thin at the edges. From the underside crimp along the center vein to form more of a ridge. This will make the leaf look like it's folded in half. Gently open the leaf from the front and set aside till assembled. Do this wih all 6 leaves.



5. DO NOT condition the Studio by Sculpey Iris. Instead we will use the segments to aide in measuring. For each grape bunch 3 blocks of Iris clay will be needed. Cut each block into 12 equal pieces. (See right)



6. Condition each piece and roll it into a ball. This will make 36 balls for each grape bunch.



7. Cut 2 segments of Iris in half, condition, and then shape into a flat pyramid about 1/2" thick. This will serve as the pedestal for the grape bunch.



8. Condition 1 segment of the Studio by Sculpey Nutmeg. Roll this into a snake about 1/8" thick. Cut random lengths about 3-4 inches long, and taper one end. These will be used to make curliques or grape vine tendrils.

1. Divide the mirror into a "Y", roughly equal in segments. Place the leaves in pairs at the points of the "Y" segments. They don't need to be flat against the glass - the more dimension and turns the more natural and interesting.



2. Place the Iris pedestals near each pair of leaves. Place the Iris balls (grapes) over the pedestal to form a grape bunch. Stack some of balls on top to make it dimensional. Add the nutmeg curliques, at least 1 per grape bunch.



3. Bake at 265 degrees for 30 minutes. Use a timer and an oven thermometer for accurate curing. Curing can be done directly on the mirror as long as there is no plastic or felt surface protectors on the underside of the mirror.



4. Once the candle ring has cured and cooled, remove it from the mirror. Stain it using the Studio by Sculpey Warm White stain or the Brown Antiqueing medium. Allow to dry.



5. To use place the candle ring back on the mirror and add a pillar candle to the center. For larger candle rings: for each 2" increase in diameter over the 6" mirror add 1 grape bunch, 2 leaves, and 1 curlique.