Make your own cog moulds.

I was lucky enough to find some old cogs and clock parts from DH's Grandfather who used to mend clocks. I love the detail in them however realised making my own moulds would not be as straightforward as other items.

I used gel flex (blue) or you can used vinamould (red) to make the moulds, and silicone cupcake cases to pour the gel flex into. As the cogs have a very long spindle I needed to cropodile a hole in the middle of the silicone cases to make a suitable mould.

The silicone cupcase then had to be supported (I used small boxes and two small pieces of MDF to make sure the silicone case was flat and would make a perfect mould.

Once you have covered the cog you need to let the mould set and take the cog out. Then you need to cover the hole and pour more gel flex over the mould to finish it off.

I am still trying to make a suitable mould for the cogs with much finer detail, if anyone has any tips they would be greatly appreciated.

Debbie x

Comments

[claireliz]

ooh fab idea :)
x

[Mandy]

Wow... the idea of making your own moulds really appeals to me. Where did you buy the gel flex or vinamould? How long does it take to harden? The cogs are going ropund in my brain... thanks for the great idea!!

[Debbie Roberts]

Mandy this is the link for Fred Aldous and the gel flex http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/product_151050011.htm The vinamold I bought off ebay but it is much more flexible and in my opinion not as good for very fine moulds. Hope that helps.

Debbie

[Mandy]

thanks Debbie... I look forward to trying this !

[Anne]

How about using latex liquid rubber? I don't know how fine or not the gel flex is.
Anne x

[Debbie Roberts]

The nice thing about the gel flex is that if a mould does not turn out well, you can just remelt, is this how latex liquid rubber works?

Just found a cheaper websitefor the gel flex. www.craftwiseonline.co.uk

Debbie x

[jayne]

Love this and i know you must make the finest details out of UTEE than anyone in the world !!!! :)