Friday, September 8, 2017

PJ057 Holloween! mold tutorial

After many requests through the years we have completed our 57th design, Halloween! which is available now on our Website.

The insert that comes with the mold is black and white but you can enjoy the insert with colored images in this color tutorial.

Above Left: Parts from the mold formed using colored polymer clay.

Below Left, scan of our newest mold PJ057 Halloween! 

Size 4" by 3.25" by 1/2" thick


Sizes of all parts at the bottom of this blog.

Instructions: 
Instructions to make the Jack-O-Lantern
1. Thoroughly condition all of the desired colors of polymer clay for your project. Mix equal amounts of Metallic Gold and Orange. (Or, if desired, to prevent mica shift lines mix two parts of yellow to one part orange to soften the orange color to a more natural pumpkin color.)
 


For larger, close up views click on the pictures.


2. Lightly mist the Jack-O-Lantern mold and tap out any excess moisture from the mold. Dry the solid top of the mold leaving moisture only in the details.




3. Mold the stem first. Roll some of the green (or brown, gray, etc color) clay into a 3/16th inch ball. Press the ball firmly into the stem area only using the Peej shaper or knitting needle to fill the tiny scalloped edges of the stem.  


4. Roll the mixed orange clay into a ball and flatten until it is a round shaped disk, similar to the shape of the pumpkin. Press the clay very firmly into the center part of the mold. While holding the clay firmly begin to press the clay into the mold from several directions from the center out.
 


5. To pick up all the facial details you will need to press the clay in several places and in more than one direction. Begin by pressing first the clay firmly into the center of the mold. Next, while holding the clay in position with one hand use the fingers of your other hand to press the clay toward the center and then outwards. Move your free hand to the outside edge and begin pressing down and toward the center all the way around while turning the mold around. 




 6. When you have pressed the clay firmly in all directions, drag any excess clay from the solid part of the mold back into the design until a line of separation begins to show. 

7. If there is too much clay and it 'humps' up remove the excess clay by laying a blade parallel to the mold surface near the center of the mold and, using gentle see-sawing movements, remove any excess. Be careful to push the blade gently as it can slip and perhaps cut your fingers. Always cut away from yourself. Continue to turn the mold around remove from the excess from center out until the back is flat and flush with the mold. 

8. If desired you may texture the back of the molded part before de-molding at this time using any texture sheet or tools.
9. Pick up the mold, flex first one way and then the other and de-mold. Place the de-molded part onto your baking surface.

De-molded Jack-0-Lantern with green stem
10. If vine tendrils are to be added, either mold them or use a thin rope of green, brown etc. to make the tendrils at this time. Press them gently into place.  If they are not sticking well, add a tiny bit of Bake N Bond or similar material to create a strong bond.
11. Bake following the manufacturer's instructions.  Allow cooling.

12.  If differently colored features are desired you may do it here. When the clay is cool: use an old, small brush to brush a light bit of Bonding Clay Helpers such as Bake N Bond or Poly Paste or a tiny bit of liquid clay into the feature openings. Press additional clays into the openings from the center out.  Bonding Clay Helpers form a bond that bonds unbaked clay to  baked clay. When completed, bake as described on the clay package.
  • 1. Glow in the dark features: an approximately 1/16” thick layer of glow in the dark clay to fill the features. Bake following the instructions on the Glow in the Dark clay package. Left, finished design; right shown in the dark.

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  • 2. Black features in orange pumpkin: roll a thin layer of black clay add bonding clay and cover the textured areas with black. Optional, use black acrylic paint to paint the features.
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  • 3. Flaming, red & bright, light yellow eyes in an orange or black pumpkin. Put a layer of yellow clay into the features. Lay a thread of red clay along the bottom edge. Press it in place. Use a pointy tool to drag some of the red up into the yellow in wavy lines to mimic flames. 
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  • 4. Black night pumpkin with Yellow, Flames, or Glow in the Dark features: see above instructions. Optional: use yellow acrylic paint and a thin tool to 'paint' the inside of the openings. 
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13. Bake again if you have added unbaked clay modifications. Allow cooling.

14.  Add pin back or a bail and cord if making pendant. Decorate a frame with your little one in costume, etc. Otherwise, finish as desired!


15. Have some spooky fun!!!!!!!!


This new mold is available on our website now! 
Thanks for visiting!
Penni Jo Couch
Designer & Sculptor of Best Flexible Molds


Sizes of parts

Jack-O-Lantern 1 11/16 x 1 5/8” (41 x 42 m m)

Hissing Kitty 2 1/8 x 1 9/16” (55 x 41 mm)

Witche's Hat 15/16 x 1“ (24 x 25 mm)

Ghost 15/16” x 1 1/4“ (24 x 34 mm)

Boo! Tag 1 1/6 x 5/8” (27 x 15.5 mm)

Bat 1 9/16 x 7/8” (41 x 22 mm)

Larger Candy Corn 13/16 x 1/2” (20 x 12.5 mm)

Smaller Candy Corn 9/16 x 3/16” (14 x 9 mm)
Vine Tendrils ¼” by various lengths (6 mm by a variety of lengths)