Create a mold to duplicate vintage keys and other small items.
This new product from Sculpey is AMAZING. I have a set of skeleton keys that date way back in my family. My great grandfather, Samuel Beadle, owned a general store with 6 motel rooms on the second floor. My mom grew up playing hide-and-go-seek in the store and motel with her cousins. I have heard endless stories of travelers and members of the community who loved my great grandfather and his small business.
I used the Sculpey Mold Maker to recreate my favorite key into keyrings for my cousins, because I am certainly not giving up the real keys. They came out so beautiful.
Materials and Supplies Needed
- Sculpey Mold Maker
- Sculpey Clay (I used Bake Shop)
- Sculpey Satin Glaze Finish
- Paint Brush
- Corn Starch
- Silicone Mat
- Jewelry Findings
Making The Mold
Dust the item (skeleton key) to be molded with corn starch.
Condition a piece of the mold maker that is thick than the item to be molded, in this case the key. Gently press the item into the mold maker.
Carefully remove the item and bake the mold in a 285 degree preheated oven for 20 minutes per quarter inch.
Using the Mold to Make Replicas
This is the super fun part. It is like magic to recreate something so special. While I used a key, there are so many things that could be used in this project. I have some vintage drawer knobs that I want to try out next.
Start by putting a little cornstarch in the mold. Condition clay to get it soft and pliable.
Add polymer clay and gently press in to the space. Rub off any extra clay.
Carefully (slowly and gently) remove clay from the cavity in the mold.
Use clay tools to clean up your key. I removed the center in the head of the key to look like the real one and trimmed a little off the bottom pieces to create separation. Bake according to directions depending on the type of Sculpey clay you are using.
Once the clay key has baked and cooled completely, add a thin layer of glaze to protect it and make it shine a little.
Add jewelry findings to create your keychain. It would work perfect to make a necklace or earrings too.
Sharing is Caring!
Too busy to make this right away?! Pin it for later! Pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I would really love to hear what you think about this mold making idea! If you try it out, I would sure like to see it! Share on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #LauraKellyDesigns
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XO,
Laura