Polymer Clay Silicone Mat From Sculpey^®

Though it's possible to work on ceramic tiles, aluminum foil or metal sheets, you may want to find a more permanent work surface if you plan on using polymer clay extensively. The Sculpey Tools™ Oven-Safe Work Mat is a common choice for this purpose, allowing you to transition from creating to baking with ease.

A dedicated clay mat eliminates the risk of damaging or contaminating baking sheets or cookware that you also use for food. It's specifically designed to work with polymer clay to make curing and cleanup a breeze.

How Do You Use a Silicone Work Mat?

A silicone work mat is a game-changer for people who use polymer clay regularly.

Simply roll out the Sculpey Tools™ Oven-Safe Work Mat onto a hard, flat surface and you're ready to go! You can roll, mold and cut your creation all in one spot. When it's time for curing, gently slide the mat onto a baking sheet and place it in the oven. Once you've finished your project, wash off the mat with soapy water and roll it back up until next time. That's all there is to it!

Benefits of Using the Sculpey Tools™ Oven-Safe Work Mat

There are many advantages to using silicone mats for working with clay:

1. Creates the Perfect Work Space

Sculpting a masterpiece on top of a crinkly piece of aluminum foil can be challenging. Polymer clay will take on the texture of whatever surface it touches, so choosing a smooth work surface is crucial. Due to its smooth surface, this polymer clay mat from Sculpey® will ensure all your creations retain their original shape.

2. Stays in Place

The no-skid silicone surface stays firmly in place as you craft. It also grips onto the clay so you can cut and mold it with ease — and the scraps still peel right off. Clayers of all ages and skill levels appreciate a steady work surface.

3. Easily Transfers to the Oven

The Sculpey Tools™ Oven-Safe Work Mat allows you to design and bake your clay in one place. When you're ready to cure your creation, simply transfer the mat to a baking sheet and you're ready to go! You don't have to worry about damaging your project trying to move or scrape it onto another surface.

4. Protects Your Work Surface

Our clay mat protects any work surface from stains, scratches and deterioration. It's thick and durable so you can use knives and cutters without damaging the material or table-top underneath.

5. Fits in Any Oven

The Sculpey Tools™ Oven-Safe Work Mat is 7.75 inches by 13 inches. It provides plenty of space to mold your creations and still fit on most baking sheets with plenty of room to spare. You can easily trim a few inches off the side to create the perfect size for toaster ovens.

6. Lasts for Years

Unlike disposable materials like cardstock, aluminum foil or parchment paper, you can reuse your silicone clay mat over and over.

7. Takes Seconds to Clean

The Sculpey® work and bake mat is extremely easy to clean. You can rub it with a baby wipe between colors to prevent any pigment from transferring to the next clay. After baking, a little soap and water will wash away any residue.

What Other Supplies Do I Need When Working With Sculpey® Clay?

If you're curious about polymer clay and want to start making your own Sculpey® creations, you may not need any tools to begin unless you have a specific project in mind. As a teacher or parent, you may also find that kids over 8 years old are happy to play with and mold the clay with their hands. However, modeling tools and cutters allow you to create shapes and textures that aren't always possible with your hands alone.

When you want to start experimenting with polymer clay tools, there are some must-haves that you can use to create a wide variety of projects. Along with the Sculpey Tools™ Oven-Safe Work Mat, some of the most useful and widely used tools include:

• A roller.
• One soft and one stiff brush.
• A needle and dotting tool.
• Hole-making and ball tools.
• A rubber-tipped spatula tool.
• Shaping tools.
• Blades that are designed for use on polymer clay.

If you want to buy all your beginner tools in one place, we recommend checking out the Essential tool kit.

Add Flair to Your Clay Creations With Extra Materials

If you're looking to stretch your creativity beyond the basics, try adding the following materials to your polymer clay studio:

• Chalk pastels: Also known as soft pastels, chalk pastels are pressed pigments perfect for shading polymer clay. You can use chalk pastels to shade different areas of your creations, add cheeks to characters and make clay foods look more authentic. Simply use a blade to scrape a little bit off the stick and dust it on with a brush.
• Cotton buds and rubbing alcohol: These materials are great for cleaning fingerprints and dusting off your clay creations before baking them.
• Jewelry pliers and eye pins: Jewelry pliers and eye pins are excellent tools if you want to make polymer clay jewelry pieces.

Get Your Polymer Clay Mat and Other Supplies Online Today

For over five decades, Sculpey® has been bringing high-quality clays to your home. We strive to bring your imagination to life by making the appropriate tools, clay products and mediums to get you started on your journey.

Order your Sculpey Tools™ Oven-Safe Work Mat and other desired tools and accessories today for a memorable crafting experience.