Playful Penguins

Sculpt these adorable clay penguins from Linda Peterson for AMACO for a fun holiday craft you can do with your kids.
 

Materials:

• FIMO® Soft: one 2 oz. package each of: White, Black, Mandarin, Pacific Blue, Brilliant Blue, Raspberry
• AMACO® Needle Tool
• AMACO® Pasta Machine
• AMACO® #2 Angle Tip Clay Shaper
• Seed Beads (Black) (four)
• White Embossing Powder
• 2" x 3" Oval Mirror
• Aluminum Foil

Instructions:

1. Flatten a sheet of White clay bigger than the oval mirror. Cut out leaving 1/2" border all the way around. Fold White clay border over edges of mirror creating ice pond.
    
2. BODY: Shape a 3/4" White ball into a cone. Flatten Black clay and cut out a 2" circle. Lay the cone into the center of circle and wrap Black circle around body.
    
3. FINS: Roll a 1/2" ball into a log 1/2" long. Fold in half to create fins. Press one fin to each side of body.
    
4. HEAD: Shape a 1/2" ball into a rounded triangle. Shape four 1/8" White balls into teardrops. Flatten and place onto head using picture as a guide. Shape a 1/4" Orange ball into a triangle and press over face for beak. Press a little ball under beak for lower lip. Press a hole for eyes with end of clay shaper and drop in beads. Draw in feather marks with needle tool.
    
5. SCARF: Roll two 1/4" diameter logs of Pacific Blue and Brilliant Blue. Lay logs side by side, alternating colors. Cut off 1/4" sections and press flat. Wrap these sections around the neckline. Make streamers using same technique.
    
6. Press a toothpick into neckline area and trim off leaving 1/4" exposed. Press head over toothpick.
    
7. HAT: Flatten out desired color for hat. Cut into a rectangle 2" x 3". Wrap around head trimming off excess. Add a contrasting color ball to point of hat. Add brim using scarf technique.
    
8. FEET: Roll a 1/2" ball into a log. Round off ends and fold in half. Add to bottom of penguin for feet.
    
9. Add buttons, hearts or any other desired embellishments. For pink penguin, use the same technique with the exception of alternating Raspberry and Mandarin.
    
10. When the penguins have been positioned as desired, sprinkle with white embossing powder and glitter if desired. Bake for 1 hour in pre-heated oven set at 265ºF (130°C). Allow to cool.