Handprint Keepsake Party Pack Help

[Jeff Clark]

Ahoy there, Crafters!

It's recently come to our attention that some of you may be having trouble with your Handprint Keepsake Party Pack plaques cracking while they are drying. Once they've cracked, they're cracked for good, but if you happen to read this before you make them, the cracking is preventable!

The problem stems from the clay sticking to the molds. As the clay dries, it can't shrink evenly if the clay is stuck to the mold. If the clay can't shrink and dry evenly, it pulls itself apart causing cracks.

To prevent this from happening, simply spread a thin layer of cooking oil, Pam spray, or similar lubricant inside the mold. Vegetable oils will probably work the best. I don't recommend using any petroleum based oils (i.e. Vaseline, 3-in-1 oil) because it may comprimise the quality of the clay.

Also, because the clay is so sticky, it may stick to your hands while you are kneading the clay, which may make it difficult to use. To guard against this, simply coat your hands with a little bit of oil while you are applying oil to the mold.

If we're too late and your plaques have cracks, please let us know. We are happy to send out replacement clay. After all, the point of all of our Impression Kits is to create memories and we want the memories you create to be good ones!

Again, please do let us know if you have trouble with this, or any of our other products. To report any problems with our kits or if you have questions about making any of our products, please email us at marketing@milestonesproducts.com.

Happy crafting!

[henoseme]

I went to this site because the clay was soooo sticky.  It stuck to my hands and no matter how long I kneaded it never seemed to get unsticky.  I also found it very hard to wash off.  When I did try to wash it in the sink, blobs of it came off and then fell down the drain.  I am concerned that it will dry and clog the drain.  Is there any kind of solvent?  How do I get it off my hands? 

[Jeff Clark]

Hi henoseme,

Thank you for posting on our forum and letting us know about the problem with your kit. We do occasionally get very sticky clay in our kits and it sounds like this is one of those occasions. To combat the stickiness, a thin layer of vegetable oil on your hands will keep the clay from sticking to your hands.

Also, since the clay is so sticky, you may find that the clay also is sticking to the molds. Again, a thin layer of vegetable oil inside the mold will prevent the clay from sticking to the mold.

As for cleaning it off your hands, soap and water should do the trick. You may have to scrub to remove all of it, but it should come off. The clay shouldn't cause a problem if it goes down the drain. It doesn't dry in a wet environment, and it will eventually dissolve in the water.

I hope this helps answer your questions and if you have any other questions we can help you with, please let us know.

Thanks again for your post!

Jeff