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Clay Molding Tips

Basic Molding Techniques

I usually use liquid Sculpey to layer things or elaborate beads. If you are just pouring it into a mold you can do the same thing with the regular Sculpey (use red if it has to be really strong). Just knead the Sculpey and press into the mold. Scrape off the excess clay and place on a sheet to bake.

== Johanna

If you are using a bendable mold, you can put it in the freezer for a while, then when you pull it out the clay pops out like an ice cube and you will keep the detail.

If it is a rigid mold, dust the mold with powder or cornstarch to help the clay come out. If you are removing unbaked clay, pressing a ball of clay on the back, gently, helps to unmold the object.

== Mirfain

Molds and Liquid Sculpey

If you are using liquid Sculpey because of the transparency, use a silicon mold that will take the heat, and place into the oven to cook. Pull it out when it is done and carefully remove from the mold. The Sculpey is still pliable until it is cold. Use a mold for silver smithing etc. for best results.

==Johanna

Making your own molds

You can create your own mold by going to the ceramics place and getting a thick slab of clay or slip. Carve out your design. Bake it and then use glazing and cook again. I've done this a number of times to create Scythian belt buckles, ornate earrings, cookie molds etc. You can get very fine detail, just be careful not to have the glazing puddle in the design.

== Johanna

This page was last updated 04/22/08