The next step in making the mold box are the walls. These "walls" will be made of a strip of vinyl flooring (the same material that was used for the floor of the box).

I found the vinyl flooring material much easier to handle than the traditionally used wood boards, which have to be cut with a saw and clamped in position. With the vinyl, it can be cut with scissors.

From the piece of vinyl, cut a strip approximately four (4) feet long by six (6) inches wide. Don't worry if the lengthwise cut (down the center) isn't perfectly straight. The other edge is, since it was cut at the building supply store.

Set the strip of vinyl on a flat surface with the straight edge (cut at the store) down. Roll it into a very loose coil, shiny side facing inward, and place around the clay model in the box.

Adjust the fit so there is at least 1 1/2 inches of space around the model. You may have to press the sides in to oval the shape of the wall to better accommodate the model.

Remove the vinyl from box, and use the hair pins (tool #8) to hold the layers of vinyl snugly together.

This next is an optional step.

I have found that adding a "tag" (a coil of clay projecting out from the model) is very helpful when using your molds. This coil of clay leaves a channel in the plaster mold that makes it easier to remove pressed clay forms.

Just roll out a coil of clay about as big around as your little finger. Attach to side of model, and smooth the joint.

Next: Mold Box Walls - continued >>

Ocarina Mold-Tools 1 | Making the Clay Model 2 3 | Mold Box Floor 4 5 | Mold Box Walls 6 7 | Mixing, Pouring, and Finishing 8 | Make an Ocarina with a Plaster Mold | Clay Ocarina Mold | Make an Ocarina using a Clay Mold | Make an Ocarina Without a Mold | Glaze a Ceramic Ocarina | Glaze a Dragon Ocarina