Drawer Pulls & Buttons

"Mad About Molds is the preferred place for Clay Push Molds and Flexible Molds!" - "Even a beginner can become an expert with these molds!" - "We have the BEST assortment of clay push molds to choose from!" - "Molds are so fun, with an INCREDIBLE amount of projects that can be created!" - "With the purchase of our molds, you have permission to make one-of-a-kind pieces in any quantity to sell at fairs, bazaars and craft shows." - "We offer one-of-a-kind molds that can’t be found anywhere else!"

Instructions:
1. Remove the block of clay from the packaging and cut it in half by running a wire through the block horizontally. The wire will provide a smooth, even cut. The clay will be used for making molds in which to cast the Hydrocal material.

2. Spray a drawer pull with vegetable spray to prevent it from sticking to the clay. Push the drawer pull into the top of the block of clay.

3. The density of the clay may make it difficult to push the hardware down far enough. Place a scrap piece of wood over the drawer pull and hammer the wood with a rubber mallet to embed the hardware into the clay making a solid impression. Remove the hardware from the clay.

4. Note that the impression of the hardware to make the mold will only include the top portion rather than the stem of the drawer pull.

5. Mix Hydrocal according to package instructions. Hydrocal is similar to Plaster of Paris but has a unique quality of becoming warm when mixed with water. Use rubber gloves while mixing and add Hydrocal to water. Mix the powder into the water and stir with your hands until the mixture becomes the consistency of mayonnaise.

6. Pour the mixture into a container that has a spout. Carefully pour the Hydrocal mixture into the clay molds level with the edge of the clay.

7. Embed the head of one wood screw or the head of a threaded bolt into the Hydrocal so the drawer pull can be attached to the drawer or cabinet.

8. Let the Hydrocal dry overnight.

9. Remove the molded drawer pulls from the clay molds. Sand the rough edges.

10. Finish with desired metal patina or faux finish of choice.

11. Use flexible rubber ice cube trays in various shapes to make multiple hardware accessories such as curtain holders.

Drawer Pulls (See Button Making Below)

If you have ever shopped for unusual decorative drawer pulls, you know how expensive it can be to purchase hardware for 20 or more drawers and cabinets just for the kitchen. Here is an easy and simple way to make your own from a powdered stone material called Hydrocal that is available from art supply stores. Add your own metallic patina or copper finish for a fabulous look.

Materials:
Hydrocal (available at art supply stores)
Oil based clay (available at art supply stores)
Wire
Scrap of wood
Drawer pulls to be used to make mold
Wood screws or bolts and nuts
Water
Plastic mixing bucket
Container with pouring spout
Vegetable spray
Rubber mallet
Sandpaper
Rubber gloves
Soft rubber ice cube trays (optional)

You can make so amazing buttons using our molds. Both shank buttons and button with holes in them can be made. A shank is the cylindrical part of the button that extends perpendicularly down to the garment. You can buy special button shanks or make your own. Try using telephone wire, or tiny screw eyes embedded into the back of the clay. You can also bake the buttons first and then cement them into a cabochon setting with E6000 glue. If this all seems a little too complex for you, you can purchase ready-made shanks on our tools page. If they are not there, we will get them back in stock soon.

Button backs can turn any flat item into a button. They can be glued on, or embedded in clay for a long lasting good looking button.

TIP: A thin button with a shank can be used instead, just remember that if you are going to be baking them, they need to be metal.

Speaking of buttons, how should the garment be washed?

Polymer clay buttons (unless first coated with water resistant epoxy glazes) should not be washed in a conventional washer or dried in a dryer. If you do elect to wash the garment with the buttons remaining, turn the garment inside out, and wash on a gentle cycle or, preferably, by hand. Do not dry clean polymer clay buttons. Button covers are a wonderful option as they can be removed before washing or dry cleaning, leaving only the base buttons.