How to Make a Mold for Glass

Glass molds can be created by forming clay or wet paper around hard objects. Making glass molds with paper is more time consuming than using clay and often tears when heated. Clay molds are more durable and can bear the weight of the glass better than an air-hardened paper mold. Heating the clay molds to the same temperature at which the glass will be fired creates a firm mold for glass-making projects.

Things You'll Need

• Clay
• Hard object to create mold shape
• Oven or kiln to heat (aka bisque firing) clay to harden the mold
• Ball ping hammer or a rounded-head small mallet

Instructions

1. Knead clay by hand until soft enough to mold.

2. Select hard object to cover with clay.

3. Cover hard object with two firmly packed layers of clay. Leave a small opening for pouring the glass into the mold.

4. Heat clay mold in kiln (aka bisque firing) in oven at the same temperature the glass will be heated. Mold will shrink a bit during the heating process.

5. Cure mold at room temperature overnight.

6. Fill mold with glass and heat, following glass instructions.

7. Crack mold delicately with a rounded ball ping hammer and remove glass.

Resources

• Poly Clay Mold Making Projects
• Garden Website glass mold making advice