This how-to will show you how to make a mould of your own design with the card board method.
It's not meant for big objects but it works really well for small, conical objects.
Here is what you need:
cutting mat, cutting knife, ruler, scissors, turning table, clay, plaster, plastic, tape, empty container
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First you have to measure the diameter of your turning table.
![](//3.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid1g4oyuRI/AAAAAAAACS0/F3BmLW-_fqo/s400/DSC09515.JPG)
Also measure the height from table till the surface.
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid1ggM2_eI/AAAAAAAACSs/Z7rzdf71sEs/s400/DSC09516.JPG)
Then outline these measurements on the cardboard.
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid1gXU7V9I/AAAAAAAACSk/x9TqUXaVH7U/s400/DSC09518.JPG)
![](//1.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid1gQnSaLI/AAAAAAAACSc/uoUpagVWlMQ/s400/DSC09519.JPG)
Cut it out.
![](//4.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid1O6wDYkI/AAAAAAAACSU/zcLZ1htaWrU/s400/DSC09522.JPG)
Then draw half of your design onto the cardboard.
![](//1.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid1O09EY3I/AAAAAAAACSM/JziIIYKisnE/s400/DSC09535.JPG)
Cut it out.
![](//3.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid1Ogpj4cI/AAAAAAAACSE/v-3mKSXDay4/s400/DSC09540.JPG)
This is the result: it will be a little cup.
![](//1.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0vJ8b29I/AAAAAAAACRs/J2JNBZCO630/s400/DSC09543.JPG)
Then hold the cardboard regularly onto the turning table and add clay in the middle.
![](//3.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0u_Nag_I/AAAAAAAACRk/PMbNqxpPwEQ/s400/DSC09546.JPG)
Fill the gap in the middle with clay and turn the turning table a little to see where there are more gaps to be filled.
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Then make it smoother as you go along. I use old credit cards and not valid passes for that.
![](//4.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0uSPJ5OI/AAAAAAAACRM/k7DvvhN93Kw/s400/DSC09555.JPG)
Wile you hold the cardboard on one side, turn with the turning table to see if you need to add or take away more clay.
![](//1.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0hnJtOKI/AAAAAAAACRE/Tk0FTCOAbTQ/s400/DSC09556.JPG)
When you think it's OK, take a fexible rib to smoothen it nicely.
It's important that it's smooth as plaster will take over every little bump.
![](//4.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0hTe93yI/AAAAAAAACQ8/XViQurYJrK8/s400/DSC09564.JPG)
Then make a ring from sturdy plastic & place it over the clay cup.
![](//1.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0hAUnKpI/AAAAAAAACQ0/bWvRjiIxqJs/s400/DSC09565.JPG)
Add clay along the sides so that no plaster can escape.
![](//3.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0g_0idkI/AAAAAAAACQs/511RYPIfv6g/s400/DSC09582.JPG)
Make the plaster in a container. I always use the pyramid method which means that I add plaster onto a pyramid and when it doesn't soak up any water anymore, there is enough plaster added. Then I mix it with my hand. It has to have a yoghurt like substance.
![](//3.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0g33GaQI/AAAAAAAACQk/OHQw4UrZ6jg/s400/DSC09585.JPG)
Hold your hand above the piece and pour the plaster onto it while your hand guides where it should go.
![](//4.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0Ux87V6I/AAAAAAAACQc/hifFEaeTooA/s400/DSC09587.JPG)
Wiggle a bit with the plastic to get airbubbles out.
![](//4.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0UqeksAI/AAAAAAAACQU/5hYp1aho_Fk/s400/DSC09589.JPG)
Let it set and then remove the clay and plastic around it.
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0UKVoFRI/AAAAAAAACQM/pHRuRqKX0UQ/s400/DSC09594.JPG)
Then cut away the sharp edges.
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/_18OX38xOmx0/Sid0ToRuagI/AAAAAAAACQE/am-RWmuHFpY/s400/DSC09596.JPG)
Now the mould has to dry and then it can be used.