Blue Bird of Happiness #2

The bird and birdhouse have a wooden armature and are covered with polymer clay canes. Wooden armatures can be problematic during curing as they can expand and contract, causing the polymer clay to crack and/or bubble during or after baking (as it cools). Or it can secrete oil during curing causing a sticky and nasty surface. I look for better quality hard woods and stay away from any soft woods with dark spots or cracks in it. I clean the wood thoroughly, sand any rough surfaces, wipe it with a tack cloth and lightly run a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol over it. It is also important to make sure your polymer adheres smoothly with no air bubbles.