When I created my Aphrodite Blue Opalesque resin Goddess bead,  I had created a prototype bead and decided to try my hand at making my own molds with (1) Sculpey mold compound, (2) Model Magic (really inexpensive, usually considered a kid's clay found in drugstores, Wal-Mart, etc.), and finally (3) a two part silicone mold compound (a bit more expensive, found in Hobby Lobby and Michaels as well as online).

Sculpey Mold Compound

Sculpey mold compound seemed to bond with resin despite using mold release and my first mold had to be cut open to release my Aphrodite Blue Opalesque Goddess bead.  After destroying the mold to get the bead out and a day of wet sanding the clingons of mold compound off of the bead every spare moment while watching the grandkids, the bead looked great!  One mold compound candidate down, two to go.

Model Magic

Model Magic actually turns out to be a great little clay for mold making, but it's not flexible enough for resin...and other issues.  (It's great for steps in creating prototype beads though.)  Two down and one go.

Two Part Silicone Mold Compound

I made a mold out of two part silicone mold compound but the polymer clay arms didn't want to come out of my silicone molds without ripping or gross distortion.  Hmmm.  I  want my molds to allow me to work in a variety of clays and resin!

Success

You can bake polymer clay beads right in the silicone mold!  I'm going to try firming the clay up in the freezer too.

So here is my first polymer clay bead from my first silicone molds coated in micaceous iron oxide.

Talking Surface Treatments (Infinite Possibilities)

I treated this Goddess to interference paints (that flash different colors from different angles, kind of like the sheen of automotive oil on the surface of water).

I need to revisit my faux raku techniques  before I'd consider one ready for my ArtFire shop.  It's been a while!