Video: Basic Silicone Mold Making For Crafting Purposes

Hello Crafty folks!

I made my first video tutorial!  I’ve posted it below.

This tutorial features step-by-step instructions on how to make your own silicone molds for crafting purposes from small objects. Using the product "Amazing Mold Putty" from Alumilite, I go over how to create a mold for a basic beach shell. This type of silicone mold can be used with diverse types of materials, including but not limited to: Polymer clay / fimo, epoxy resin, soap, and chocolate and candies.

Another great thing about these molds is, once they have cured, they can be baked.  For certain molded polymer clay pieces, I will just put the clay in the mold and bake the clay so it comes out of the mold already stiff. This is particularly helpful with those molds that may have thin pieces or that may be hard to remove from the mold without distorting the shape.

Sometimes I can find the Mold Putty for sale at my local craft store, but this is sporadic.  It is also available online at http://www.resinobsession.com/ItemPage/5323/Alumilite-Amazing-Silicone-Putty-Kit.html.

Pretty much anything is fair game to be the basis of the mold made.  I've used food items (like mini oreo cookies which were used to make the mold for the oreo earrings below), but other good ideas are: things found in nature (nuts, stones, sticks, etc.), dollhouse/miniature items, charms, even other items made from polymer clay or resin.

Check out just a couple of the items I’ve created from polymer clay using some of the reusable molds I’ve made (can you tell I like sweets? hehe):

Feel free to post some of your ideas for making molds!  What have you all molded or would you like to mold?  What kinds of materials would you put in your finished molds?

Thanks so much for checking out my video! For more crafty ideas keep checking back:  http://cosmic-designs.blogspot.com.

Allow me to introduce myself

Hello and Welcome to my blog, Cosmic Designs! 

I have been obsessed with crafting in many forms since I was a wee lass.  Other kids were into sports or video games, but I always liked crafty, creative stuff.  My first job in high school was at the local craft store (yeah, you know where my paycheck went).  And then came the wondrous age of the internet.  It has opened up a whole new world to me, crafty-wise, as it provides a wealth of information on how to do various craft projects. I love combing through various tutorials and project sheets to get new ideas and learn new techniques.

So that got me to thinking… What if I started documenting some of the crafty work I do while at the same time, try to help others who may be looking for crafting know-how or tips?  I’m a fairly crafty person and always seem to be working on one project or another, so why not?

At this particular moment in time, I am into several different craft mediums/activities. I don’t claim to be an expert in any of the mediums or techniques I write about in the blog, just an active enthusiast : )

·         Polymer clay (Different colors of Fimo, Sculpey, etc.):  

      I’m making mostly jewelry with this bake-able material at the moment.  I make earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. with polymer clay. Seems like I am working a lot of miniature food items lately, with sweet treats and sushi being particular faves.  I like trying new types of canes, again it is usually food related. I’ve started making some of my own molds too.  Now I am constantly noting new objects I want to make molds of so I can make their polymer clay equivalent.

·         Epoxy Resin : 

      I am using clear resin as a base for a lot of jewelry as well, though I have used it to make paper weights, light switch covers and hair accessories too. I experiment a lot with different mix-ins, like candy sprinkles or glitter.  I also incorporate images printed on photo paper into different pieces. I like using beads (especially glass pearl ones) to accentuate the resin pieces that I make.

·         Screen Printing Clothing :

      I really like the entire screen printing process, from stretching the silkscreen fabric onto the frame to printing the finished design onto a t-shirt. I currently only do one color prints/processes.  I make the screens for printing with photo sensitive emulsion and use water-based acrylic paints for printing on clothing.

·         Sewing :

      I sew mainly clothes, mostly for me, though I have a big range of items I can make.  I may see an item of clothing or an outfit somewhere that I want to wear, but can’t find the item in a store or want a different color pattern to the fabric.  Then I will just try making it myself.  I can make pretty much anything if I have a decent pattern, or at least one to use as a base with modifications.  I am impressed by people who can sew without a pattern, however I am not one of these people.  I can come up with some basic patterns on my own, but most patterns I buy or find online.

In addition to the above, in my crafty queue are a latch-hook rug, Chalkboard door hangers, a t-shirt quilt, and printing iron-ons for t-shirts. I do wish I was better at finishing projects than starting them, but every now and again I’ll get some finished pieces.

I have an etsy site where I sell some of the stuff I make, mostly jewelry and hair stuff at this time.  If you’d like to support it by making a purchase, I very much appreciate it : )

Well, that’s my introduction to the blogging world.  Please Bookmark this site and check back often to read about my crafting projects and see some tutorials.

Happy Craftin’