Monkeying around

It’s “M” week at preschool. The Princess Cupcake’s room mascot it a monkey, so “M” week is kind of a big deal around here.

On Tuesday we brought in a monkey cake that we made (a la Martha Stewart’s recipe).

And today I made good on a promise I to the teacher to make monkey charm pendants for the kids to make necklaces with. What was I thinking?

I procrastinated this project for a very long time. Fear of the unknown. I’ve never made anything with Sculpy clay before.

But the beautiful thing about making things for preschoolers is, they love whatever you do for them. And while they may be candid with no filter (Like when one little girl saw the monkey cake and said, “But it’s so SMALL!” For the record, it wasn’t. They sent home leftovers.), preschoolers are really excited when you bring them something special and different. And the Cupcake just swells with pride when she gets to help present it to the class.

So after a little online research, I decided to take the plunge. Following my own directions from the monkey cupcakes we made for the first day of school, I put these together last night after the Cupcake was in bed.

Both boy and girl versions.

And I’ve come to realize that Sculpy clay is my new fondant. I heart working with fondant, but then you have to eat it and it sticks to our waistline more than I’m willing to accept. I can only wait around for so long for an occasion to make a cake to give away, but Sculpy clay…  you can do that anytime!

Sculpy clay consistency is similar to fondant or playdoh, and I’ll definitely be working with this inexpensive medium again and WITH the munchkin. For now though, I can’t wait to see the necklace she brings home with the monkey charm pendant on it.

Tips for working with Sculpy clay (or any similar brand, I just happened to use Sculpy):

• Like fondant, warm it up in your hand or through a pasta press for about 2 minutes
• They say that it’s non-toxic, but keep your Sculpy clay stuff separate from food tools
• Wipe your hands with baby wipes in-between Sculpy colors or else you may have some transfer
• If making pendants, remember to leave a hole in the top of the pendant for your jump ring. Or if you’re using other jewelry findings, insert prior to baking.
• Thankfully, Sculpy clay does not dry out in a nanosecond like gum paste and fondant does. Take your time making your masterpiece.
• Bake your Sculpy clay as per the instructions on the package, but remember, it is really hot when you get it out of the oven. Let it cool completely before handling.
• Sharpie writes well on Sculpy. That’s what I used for the eyes and mouth on the monkey charms.

What have you made with Sculpy clay? Any tips to share?