Post #261658 by yumyumkid on Thu, Oct 19, 2006 2:22 PM

Yeah Dogbytes, I've been a little lazy. :P A press or push mold is a one piece mold usually used to make flat 3D type objects. I have no clue where the molds are for the ornaments that are shown above. Here are the step by step pics of using a push mold. The mold in the pics are for the newer ornaments that we are working on now.

Two different plaster molds.

Place a piece of rolled out clay into one the the impressions.

We like to beat the clay with the palm of our hand to press the clay into the mold. This can be done other ways. I've used rolling pins on larger molds.

Once the clay is pressed into the mold use a wire tool to cut off the excess clay.

Use a sponge to smooth the backside of the clay. This also helps press the clay into the mold even further for fine details.

Picture of clay smoothed out. I was to slow with the camera and Steph of TaintedTiki has already started the next one. It's best to wait a few minutes before removing the clay from the mold. During this time the plaster mold is sucking out a little moisture from the clay making it easier to remove.

Using another piece of moist clay remove the Tiki from the mold. See next picture.

Press the moist clay into one side of the Tiki and pull back slowly.

Let dry for a few hours then clean it up and add anything if desired.

These new ornaments will be fired and painted within the next few weeks. Will be starting on new tiki mug designs in the meantime. Here are horrible pictures of two finished mug models some of you may or my not remember.