Koala Kraze

Photo and craft instructions by www.marthastewart.com

Looking for the perfect way to memorialize your summer trip to the beach? Why not give these cuddly koalas a try...I mean really, can you say Ca-ute?! Here's the How To:

1. Experiment with different combinations to come up with animal shapes before gluing everything into place. We chose small scallop and clam shells for the koalas, and long razor clams decorated with ring-top cowries for the tree.

2. Use small cushions of polymer clay, which is pliable and slightly sticky, to test out various arrangements. For assembly, a tacky, quick-drying glue works best. Build heads and bodies separately. Before joining larger parts, use a brush to glue on small parts (such as beads for eyes) and clay to support creatures while glue dries.