Iron Orchid Reusable Moulds

Finding time to play with all these wonderful new products is half the battle - the other half of the battle is the part of me that expects to know everything and create the perfect uncomplicated easy and speedy project the FIRST TIME....no suffering, fiddling, researching or start overs....

However the course of true love never did run smoothly.  I LOVE mouldings, love their character, shape, detail, their patina and how they transform...so I had to figure out these new silicon moulds and the various different mediums.

I had to research, fiddle, start over, rethink and learn from others.....

Hear is what I have learnt and important to remember:

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cracking when drying is all part of the authenticity of the these clever moulds

recommend gluing moulds when still wet as easier to bond to curved surfaces

Imperfection 
When you look at original plaster moulds you will notice how they crack and chip over time - this is the effect you will get using air dry clay - the air dry clay allows for great detail with out having to bake.  However as it dries it shrinks and cracking can occur.

Mediums
Paper clay, air drying clay, polymer clay, hot glue guns and chocolate(they are food safe)....can all be used in these moulds.  I used the air drying clay options.
The IOD paper clay seems to crack abit more than the Jovi air dry clay.  IOD have done this on purpose to their clay.  Personal preference at the end of the day. The Jovi clay is really good value and would be a good place to start.

Working with clay
Delicate fingers and patience.  Having used our ready made latex moulds for years, working with the clay is very different.  In truth these clay moulds would be more reminiscent of the original craftsman's battles and skills than our latex.  Don't be in a rush.

1. work the clay in your fingers before placing in the moulds
2. resist over filling the moulds (my first mistake), keep the clay below the edges, it makes for easier removing.  You can level off your excess clay with a knife - remember you want a flat surface as this helps with less cracking etc
3. some mould shapes are easier to use than others, if it separates or breaks when removing, try again...
4. don't be too fussy about perfect edges - alot of this will disappear under the paint
5. another idea is to let the moulds dry in the moulding trays before removing - how patient you are will be the key....you can of course put them in the oven to dry..... 

work clay between fingers

smooth off with a knife

bend mould to reveal moulding - imperfection exists - and thats OK!

Application
There isn't much info on what glue to use, but I have been using a wood glue as suggested.  I prefer applying the moulds when they are still wet. You need to remember that as your moulding dries it will shrink slightly.  It pays to be near by during this process unless you too impatient like me and use a hair dryer.  As it dries it will lift off your surface, but gently keep tapping it down and pressing the edges to allow it to bond to surface, Again don't be too fussy as the gaps will disappear under the paint.  
If you wait until the moulds are dry, you need to remember that they will no longer be flexible, but hard and more delicate.  Think about how you want to use them or where you want to apply them.  
I also painted them while they were still wet, which seemed to be fine, I used a hair dryer inbetween coats.

Cleaning
Easy clean up with water.  I used an old toothbrush to get into the little cracks, works really well

if you want to analysis you will notice some imperfection I am sure - but resist - admire from a distance

why use these moulds 
Well its slightly addictive....but really satisfying making the moulds from scratch.  Once you get going, you suddenly realise the endless possibilities.  These moulds are so cost effective when you need a few moulds, great for gift making and framing.  If you have a girlfriend, why not each buy one, you can share them around as they wear really well.  

If you are on facebook, I recommend following the Iron Orchid Designs, they really do some wonderful things and not too "crafty" - wait until you see their stamps....the other thing I have been playing with....the trick to all of this is to actually do the things you love, not just pin them to your board or save them for "when you have time" - there is NO time for anything anymore - you have to carve out time to refresh your soul and do the things you love....

IOD Mould - Baroque 3

NZ$34.50

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IOD Mould - Baroque 4

NZ$34.50

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IOD Mould - Escucheons 2

NZ$34.50

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IOD Mould - Moulding 1

NZ$34.50

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IOD Mould - Object Labels 1

NZ$34.50

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IOD Mould - Rustic Fleur

NZ$34.50

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IOD Mould - Louis

NZ$34.50

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IOD Mould - Antoinette

NZ$34.50

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IOD Paper Clay - for reusable moulds

NZ$11.90

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Jovi Air Hardening Clay - 500gm

NZ$7.50

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IOD Mould - Large Fleurish

NZ$34.50

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IOD Mould - Renaissance

NZ$34.50

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