Last weekend a group of us spent the day with Beth Shea at Echo Artworks. We learned to make molds from modeling compound, then use them to pour resin.
Beth started the demo by showing us molds she had created the week before. LOOK at all the frozen charlottes!!!! I LOVE THEM!!!!!
We were asked to bring items with us to make molds from. My little collection included chess pieces, the case from an old pocket watch and pen nibs.
First, we worked the mold compound using equal parts of the putty until it was blended. You knew it was blended when it was a smooth purple color.
We then pressed our items into the mixed mold compound. Being sure not to press too hard - that would create a very thin mold or holes in the mold. There isn’t much time, once the mold compound is mixed it starts getting hard within minutes. When working with mold compound be sure you are prepared to use it immediately. It is not forgiving, you cannot reconstitute it.
Once the new mold has set for about 20-30 minutes you can remove the item from it. The mold takes about 48 hours to cure.
We were very impatient so we poured a 2-part resin into our new molds immediately. Beth warned us that new resin poured would have bubbles since the molds didn’t have time to cure.
After we played with the flat molds Beth showed us how to make a three dimensional mold. Using a frozen charlotte, wrap the mold compound around the figure leaving a small hole open at the feet. Make made a small notch in the compound to mark where the seam should be to remove the frozen charlotte. In this case it is in the back of the charlotte.
Once the mold has had time to harden cut open the mold carefully with a knife. Slowly cut the seam a little at a time until cutting through to the frozen charlotte.
Remove the frozen charlotte.
To use the mold wrap it tightly with painters tape to keep the seam closed. Pour resin in the small hole and let it set for 24 hours.
THANK YOU BETH FOR A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!
