DIY Project: Garden Gnome

Making the Rubber Mold

• 1

  Mold your gnome out of clay. Make it as detailed as you like, as long as it is a solid piece of clay with no holes (between the legs, for example) where the mold would wrap around the shape and snag the structure. Include a base for extra stability.

• 2

  Let your clay gnome dry, so it holds its shape when handled, but not so much that it is crumbly.

• 3

  Prep the box by taping any holes or areas that may leak with duct tape.

• 4

  Smear the clay gnome and the inside of the box with a thin, even layer of petroleum jelly.

• 5

  Place the clay gnome in the box and smear more petroleum jelly around the edge where the base of the gnome meets the box. This ensures that the mold compound does not leak underneath the clay form.

• 6

  Mix the rubber mold compound in a disposable container and pour it into the box. Make sure the compound rises at least ¼ inch above the clay form.

• 7

  Let the mold cure for at least 16 hours.

• 8

  Remove the mold from the box, keeping the box intact for later use.

• 9

  Cut the mold into two pieces with the razor blade. Cut along the side edge of your gnome, making sure you cut all the way through into the clay. To make the mold easier to reassemble, cut a small zigzag pattern into one side.

• 10

  Clean out the mold with water to remove all traces of clay, then dry it thoroughly.

Casting the Concrete

• 11

  Spray the inside of both parts of the mold with a thin layer of mold release or oil. Wipe up any extra to avoid bubbles in the finished product.

• 12

  Reassemble the mold and place it back in the cardboard box with the open end up. The box helps the mold keep its shape during casting.

• 13

  Mix the concrete to a pourable consistency by following the manufacturer's directions.

• 14

  Pour the concrete into the mold. Be careful not to overfill.

• 15

  Gently bounce the mold to dislodge any air bubbles.

• 16

  Let the concrete dry for at least 24 hours before removing it from the mold. The longer the concrete cures in the mold the stronger it will be.

• 17

  Remove the mold from the box and carefully it pull apart to remove the gnome.

• 18

  Clean the gnome to remove any mold release residue.

• 19

  Decorate your new gnome with acrylic paint.