About Sculpey's Bake & Bend

• Sculpey Bake & Bend clay works just like normal modeling clay, but will not dry out when left outside or exposed to air. To harden the clay, you bake it in the oven for about 15 minutes, producing a masterpiece that won't fall apart. It will, however, bend a bit like rubber after baking, allowing for extended play and more project possibilities. Bake & Bend clay comes in multiple colors, often in packs that include a clay roller and modeling tool.
  
  

For Kids

• Kids can use Sculpey clay to make specific letters or numbers for games or signs. Working with clay also provides a lesson in making shapes, as children form balls or circles by roll globs of clay in a circular motion. By pressuring balls of clay against their work surfaces to form six sides, kids can make cubes or a pair of dice.
  
  

Creative Objects

• Some kids need a reminder or encouragement before their imagination kicks in. Animal lovers can start with snakes, caterpillars, ladybugs and mice before moving on to harder animals such as dogs and cats. Models of food such as hamburgers and pizza, or even sushi and spaghetti hold appeal for other children. These objects lay the foundation for crafts such as pencil holders or finger puppets, and serve as confidence builders before kids pursue more artistic or exacting projects like clay flowers or people.
  
  

Gifts

• Using Bake & Bend clay to make gifts for others demonstrates creativity and thoughtfulness to the recipient. Ideas for this type of project include picture frames, coasters, trivets, mugs, bowls and vases. With accessories from craft stores, children can make key chains and luggage tags.
  
  

Jewelry

• Sculpey also transforms into rings, pendants, bead necklaces, bracelets and earrings. With adult help, if needed, children can make round beads by forming small balls and poking holes with a toothpick and flattened beads by cutting a long and thin spool of rolled clay into small pieces with a knife. Clay strung through colored wire or jewelry string -- available at most craft stores -- becomes jewelry to wear or give as a gift after baking.
  
  

Revamping Old Objects

• Children and adults can decorate old objects -- plain picture frames, vases and even notebooks or bookmarks -- with clay designs. This project starts with still-malleable clay shaped to fit the object, then removed and baked in the oven. Once cooled and glued on, the Sculpey pieces renew an item previously destined for the trash.