The first project that I want to share with you that uses the new Rubber Glass product will cause you to wonder why I didn't just use resin. Several reasons: this silicone product is flexible, which means that you can cinch your beadwork tightly around it and have it actually dig in slightly. You can even stitch right through it if you want to. Once it is cured, you can fracture it so that it takes on the look of either glass or ice. No release agents are needed with your molds. It is crystal crystal clear when it dries so that anything embedded looks like it is trapped in glass. Only the very clearest resin comes close.
Basically, silicone and resins are two completely different products. Each has its best use, and since this form of silicone, Rubber Glass, is new to the market, we've just begun to figure out all we can do with it!
Materials & Tools
Rubber glass (Smooth-On.com)
Brass wire
Size 8/0 seed beads, ice blue
Size 11/0 seed beads, ice blue
Size 15/0 seed beads, ceylon pearl
Nymo beading thread, size O white
Scale
Mixing cup and stirrer for silicone
Mold for silicone (I used a small paper cup)
Masking tape
Beading needles, size 13
Scissors
Flat nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
Small file
1. Form a loose swirl pattern with brass wire, leaving a 4 inch "tail".
2. Mix up rubber glass according to the package directions. Measure carefully.
3. Use masking tape to suspend the wire in the silicone while it hardens. Unmold when fully cured (no release agent is needed). Cut the back flat and "chip" the sides to create a jagged looking disc.
4. String enough size 8/0 seed beads to go around the disc. String through the beginning bead from the same direction and slip that bead over the brass wire.
5. Peyote stitch a couple of rows around the disc, pulling snug.
6. On the back side of the disc, create "prongs" with size 11/0 seed beads topped with one 15/0 seed bead. Stitch back down through the 11/0s and back into the peyote ring.
7. When all the prongs are stitched, take the needle and thread to the top of one prong and add size 15/0 seed beads between the top of each prong. Stitch around the whole ring again for strength, and run the needle back down one of the prongs.
8. Stitch to the front side of the peyote ring, and add prongs on that side too.
9. Repeat step 7, creating a ring in the front. Run the needle back down into the peyote ring and secure all thread ends.
10. Turn a wrapped loop with the brass wire and file any sharp ends.
Copyright 2010 Cyndi Lavin. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact.
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Comments
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Can you tint or add color(s) to it?
Cyndi, this is the coolest find ever.
I would love to experiment with this for Christmas icicles.
I love the way you made the beaded setting for it. Neato!
As for suspending other things in the silicone, here is the problem: once you pour it, you can't pour another layer if it's fully cured...they will just separate. If the item you want to suspend is too heavy to "float", you can try to time the curing process and insert your piece as the silicone thickens. But the curing process is pretty long, like overnight. So for now, I'm working on suspending things by use of a wire or by adding inserts that are lightweight. I'd like to do some experiments to see exactly how long into the curing process you could still add something and have it work!
Wonder if you could tumble it somehow to get that sea glass effect too? Say if youve encased an item, then tumble it so it frosts up? Not that I have a tumbler but maybe someone else will have.
I suppose simply distressing it with sandpaper would spoil it....but must see if its in UK yet and have a play with it. Fab tutorial, thanks. Lyn
1) you said it can be teared by hands, it means this product is not strong enough to be casted into the whole bracelet, right? I wonder if glazing it with high strength silicone will help, I really love the transparent look of rubber glass.
2) I wonder how soft , and how easy to break is it, I know it's hard to explain by words so I,ll ask you to compare the touch of it with a gel candle, pls
By the way, thank you for your tutorial, it help me a lot. ;)