Make your own molds
How do I make a mold?
You can make your own molds from polymer clay, fire them, and use them just like any other mold. To make a mold of an object, condition a ball of clay, apply mold release to it, and press the object into it to create your mold. While the object is still in place, flatten the back of the mold against your work surface. Carefully remove the object from the clay, then fire the mold. The process works just like making a clay item from a push mold, but in reverse.
Molds can be made from any strong clay, but Super Elasticlay is especially good for mold-making because it's flexible after firing, which makes it easier to pop clay out of the mold.
- How do I use clay with a mold?
If you're using a one-sided mold, simply push a ball of the well-conditioned clay into the mold, flatten the back against your work surface, then gently pull the clay out of the mold for firing. For a two-piece mold, gauge the amount of clay you need, push it into one side of the mold, then press the other side against the exposed surface, remove the mold halves, and trim the edges with a small knife or needle.
If the mold has areas that are especially deep - for example, the nose on a face mold - form the clay into a pointed shape before pushing it into the mold, placing the point at the deepest part of the mold. This will ensure that clay fills all parts of the mold.
- How do I keep clay from sticking to the mold?
Most molds will stick to clay and can distort the design when you pull the clay free. Avoid this problem by using a mold release:
- water: the simplest solution
- talcum powder or cornstarch: brushes off the clay piece before or after firing
- metallic powders: do double duty as a mold release and a decorative effect
- saliva: sounds weird, but works well (remember not to touch your mouth to the clay)
Apply the mold release to your ball of clay before pushing it into the mold. If your clay still distorts when you pull it free of the mold, you can also try chilling the clay and mold for a few minutes before you separate them; this will make the clay firmer and help avoid distortion.
