playclay_handprint

you_will_need
About 1/2 recipe coloured or uncoloured Play Clay
A 12 inch square sheet of waxed paper, plastic wrap or foil
A dessert size paper plate
Wire rack set in a shallow baking pan
Paints and decorations, optional
Quick drying craft glue or a low temperature glue gun, optional
Spray or brush on clear acrylic to seal


Knead the Play Clay until smooth, then shape it into a ball. Place the ball
on the waxed paper, and press it into a circle about the same size as the paper plate. Carefully smooth the edge of the circle with your fingertips.

Put the paper plate upside down on the play clay. Carefully pick up
the waxed paper, the play clay and the paper plate, and turn it over so
the play clay is in the paper plate. Gently peel off the waxed paper.

Roll up your sleeve and press your hand firmly into the Play Clay on the
plate. If necessary, press each finger with your other hand to make the
hand print clearer. Carefully lift your hand out of the Play Clay.

Without twisting the plate, place your handprint (still in the plate) on
the wire rack set in the shallow baking pan.
kids_handprint
Oven Drying: Preheat oven to 350º F (180ºC), then turn the oven off. Place the baking pan in the oven and leave it until oven is cold; turn the play clay items once or twice to help them dry evenly. Repeat as necessary until dry. (When reheating the oven,
be sure to take the baking pan out before turning
on the heat.) Air-dry Play Clay overnight on wire racks, turning occasionally to speed up drying.
Decorating the hand print: Paint your hand print if you like; let dry. Attach any other decorations with glue. Coat the handprint on all sides with clear acrylic to seal;
let dry.