My friend wanted a small cactus charm, so I decided to make her one :)

I started off by carving a small cactus out of wax, then cast in the same way I have been using for the last couple of projects. I used Mold Max 60 from Smooth On, and some sulfur free clay to make a two part mold.

I cut some pour spouts, and air channels into the mold. The tiny marks are the index things I made so that the form will only fit back together in one way, this make sure you always line the cactus up correctly.

A little baby powder to help the mold release.

Use a paint brush to distribute the powder evenly, knock out the extra. You want a very thin layer.

Getting ready to pour, I used a lot of rubber bands, because the hot pewter tends to make the mold expand, and if you don’t hold it shut, it can run out the bottom.

molten pewter. I use r98 pewter from Roto Metals.

Just after opening the mold.

letting it cool

I decided to try my hand at painting one of them, so I got some testors enamel paint.

I tried to layer the colors, to give a more realistic look. I might send both to my friend and she can keep the one she likes the best and give the other one to someone else. I have my doubts about how well that little key chain loop will hold on such a heavy charm, but I will give it a try anyway.

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