Hot Water Method

Heat water until temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) to 150°F (66°C). Water may be heated in a pan on the oven top then poured into a bowl or in an electric skillet. Test temperature with cooking thermometer. Colors are more brilliant and are easier to work with at these temperatures. Add one or two drops of cooking oil to water to prevent sticking.

Place one plastic stick at a time in hot water (metallic side down if you using metallic sticks). Let set in hot water for about 30 seconds (150°F, 66°C) to 60 seconds (140°F, 60°C) until shiny (metallic sticks should become almost translucent).

IMPORTANT: Metallic sticks will lose their metallic appearance if softened too long. Wet hands and remove plastic from hot water using craft stick or metal skewer. TIP: Softened plastic sticks cannot be separated if they are allowed to touch. Handle softened sticks carefully.

Shape with your hands (plastic will be warm, but should not be too hot to handle). Softened plastic can be molded or textured for further decoration, pressed into a jewelry setting or used to decorate porcelain-like faces. TIP: To create a new color with non-metallic sticks, soften the plastic and knead them together. The plastic may have to be re-softened and re-kneaded a few times before a color becomes solid. NOTE: While plastic is still warm, embed beads, stones, etc. for positioning only, let cool, then remove.

When the desired shape is formed, place in cold water for three to five seconds to set. If piece hardens before desired shapes is formed, place back into hot water for a few seconds. Repeat these steps for each piece to be shaped. For solid bonding of two pieces, soften both pieces in hot water until tacky then press firmly together. Place in cold water to reset.

NOTE: Milling marks in plastic are normal and will not detract from the appearance of the finished product.

Oven Method

An excellent method for designing two-dimensional or layered designs with plastic sticks.

1. Preheat oven to 200°F (94°C).
2. Lightly oil a piece of aluminum foil larger than your design. Place on baking sheet oil side up.
3. Cut plastic sticks into shapes according to your proposed design before softening.
4. Place the plastic sticks on the aluminum foil in the desired pattern. NOTE: Intricate designs may require placement and softening of a few pieces at a time.
5. Bake your design for one to two minutes. Plastic will melt together. The longer the plastic is left in the oven, the more inlaid and flat the surface will become. Do not leave in oven too long or the plastic will begin to bubble and metallic sticks will lose their metallic appearance.
6. Remove from oven (plastic will be worm, but should not be too hot to handle). Softened plastic can be molded or textured for further decoration, pressed into jewelry settings or used to decorate porcelain-like faces. NOTE: While plastic is still warm, embed beads, stones, etc. for positioning only, let cool them remove.
7. Place your piece in cold water to set for about three to five seconds. Repeat these steps for each piece.

NOTE: Two dimensional or layered designs can also be achieved in hot water by placing sticks on a spatula and gently lowering into the water. Do not immerse totally or pieces will float off the spatula. Add sticks as desired to complete your piece.

Add interesting textures while soft with Friendly Plastic Texture Tools (Friller Tool - FP689/Needle Tool - FP688) or everyday household items such as metal kitchenware, screens, graters, shells, coins, springs and gears. You can also incorporate other items such as feathers, rhinestones, glitter, sequins or photos. These are just a few suggestions that will help to design exciting projects! (Make sure you use oil before using.)

Ideas: Holiday jewelry, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, picture frames, School spirit pins, Home Decor, Key Rings, etc.

TIP: E6000 is the suggested glue to use for findings and layering.