You will need:
Clay and modeling tools
A shallow box or Tupperware container
Mold Release Spray2 Part rubber-mold mixA crock pot
Pure beeswaxA soft brush
Powdered pigment in an iridescent hue
Thin wire
Pliers and wire-cutters
(I linked to where I got some of the less-common supplies)
First, sculpt away. Keep in mi
nd that your designs can be as complex or as simple as you like, as long as you avoid any areas where the piece is not solid. If you try to cast som
ething with a loop or a hole, it will not come out of the mold without breaking. You need one continuous piece without overhangs or tunnels, etc.
Once your designs are set, make sure they are securely set into the container or box top into which you plan to pour your mold. If they are not, they will come loose and float to the top during the mold casting process.
Next, spray your clay and container with mold release, like greasing a cupcake tin with pam. Mix your two-part mold rubber of choice very thoroughly, and pour it in slowly, starting at the lowest point and filling upwards.
Make sure that you have more mold making material that you think you need. There is nothing worse than having to do everything again because you underestimated.
When the mold has set (depending on the instructions) peel it out and clean out any residual clay. Instead of using the spray release, I used a powdered pigment to give the ornaments a subtle sheen. Brush it into the mold lightly, coating the edges and details carefully.
Meanwhile, melt your beeswax down in a standard crockpot. If you'd lik
e, you can add any powdered pigment of your choice in this stage- just take care to mix thoroughly.
Pour the wax carefully into the mold. starting again at the lowest point. Don't worry too much about spilling over your edges- you can easily melt it back down again to use later.
The wax becomes opaque as it dries. There can be some trial and error in term of knowing when to take it out of the mold. Wait until you feel slight warmth coming from fully opaque wax, and gently pop it out of the mold. It should still be flexible enough that you can trim any over -spill or mistakes with a butter-knife or wood sculpting tool easily and save it for later.
While your wax is reaching that stage, make some simple wire loops, and when the ornaments are cooling off, work the wire in to the wax before it hardens.
... and voila!
