Creative Ideas

"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!"

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Go from a donut shape to a partial shape, by cutting off a section of clay. A mold does not have to be limited to it’s shape, but a tool to guide you to new ideas. Mold #493.

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If you think of molds as tools and not just molds, a world of ideas opens up for you. This heart was simply made with a cookie cutter centered in the middle. Mold #325.

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By partly filling this mold, another face can be made. If you make it rounder it could be a full moon face. That’s at least three molds in one. Mold #615.

Think about molds as tools for many variations that expand their use.

Push molds invite us to look beyond first impressions. They invite us to use our imaginations. If you are pressing clay into molds and just settling for the image that you get, you're missing all the fun! After all, molds are a tool, and tools are meant to aide you, not limit your imagination.

That said, lets use our Santa face mold as an example. (shown above) At first glance, you see a Santa face, but if Santa's aren't your thing, you might pass it by without another look. Now look at the face to the right of it, do you think "Santa"? Probably not, but it was made from the same mold. Quite a transformation! That's because we think beyond the given shape of the image to what it might become. By pushing clay into just the center of the Santa mold you can achieve a face for many uses. This same technique can be used with many of our other molds. It's easy to alter the expression on a face or distort other shapes if you know what it is you want to do.

Try manipulating other castings by stretching features, bending protruding parts, reshaping edges, texturizing, or smoothing and reworking areas for many new looks. A few ideas to try are partly fill the mold, trim the edges, or completely cut the casting in half or parts. Also consider objects that can be added for endless possibilities, such as hair, stones, embedded sand, wires, nail jewels, or whatever comes to mind. Texturing can be done with old tooth brushes, textured buttons, pin heads, textured beads or sandpaper to name just a few.

Clay is very practice friendly. Don't like what you made? Scrunch it up and try again. No one is keeping count of how many times you do it.

Here are a few hints that may make it easier for you.

Too much clay

One of the biggest problems that people have when using molds is that they just plain use too much clay. The result is that the face becomes thick and the edges look ragged. If you try to trim it, you may get fingerprints, or smush it. Although freezing the clay can make it easier to work with. To control the look of the edges, press the clay into the mold. Then push it towards the center of the mold until you see the outside outline of the mold all around the clay. See our free mold making movie on our tool page to learn how we do ours with a perfectly flat back every time.

How much clay?

When using a mold for the first time, how much clay should you use? Do a trial run. What's it going to hurt? Push clay into the mold, then pull it out. Image too big? Do it again with less clay. Image to small? Do it again with more clay. Remember, it's okay to practice.

Use a release agent

Although flexible molds do not need a release agent, the results can be unflattering. The pressing to release the casting leaves the piece distorted, bent, and dimpled. Not a desired look for quality work. We recommend a light dusting of corn starch applied to the mold with a soft brush to the inside of the mold. Too much powder and you will lose detail.

The lesson learned is: Look beyond, or within, the images in molds to see all the possibilities. Then explore. Experiment. Dare. Discover. Combine. Embellish. Chop. Scrunch. Pinch. Challenge yourself to create something new. Create.

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Think about molds as tools for many variations that expand their use.

Imagine all the possibilities that you can create with just one mold.

Add character lines and other fine details to faces with a needle tool if desired, for a more expressions.

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By combining two or more molds the possibilities are endless. Think of all the different combinations you can come up with. Try making a collage pin or a floral wreath. Or try a patchwork covered tin or themed picture frames.

Mold #720, 721 & 722.

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