A wonderful  - new - inexpensive hobby. One of the most gratifying arts and crafts experiences for those of any level of expertese.   Ceramic molds of just about everything are available, literally the highest star in the sky to the deepest creature of the Sea.

THIS IS HOW THEY WORK.

Ceramic Molds are made of Plaster (this explains the high cost of shipping - they are often very heavy)

The molds are usually two pieces of plaster - that are banded together using big rubber bands or straps.  Some of the more intricate molds come in three, four or five pieces.

All of these molds have a hole or holes where you pour in the slip.

Slip is a mixture of clay and water - basically. You can make your own , but unless you have hours to spend measuring specific gravity - I recommend buying slip from a ceramic shop

Slip is poured into the holes in the mold - fill it right up. The mold goes to work right away . The plaster sucks the water from the mixture , leaving a clay form.  Wait until you can see the clay start to form a skin - then pour  out - slowly - the remaining slip - if it starts to glug - slow it down.

  This process takes a little practice. It may take a few times to get it just right but you can expect perfect results almost immediately.

Let the mold sit - pour hole down - for at least a few hours. This may take much longer depending on the size of the mold, the humidity, etc.

Use a plastic knife (from the ceramic store) to remove extra slip from the outside of the mold. Remove the rubber bands/straps. Clean the outside of the mold.

Open the mold by seperating the pieces of plaster. It should lift right off, if it doesn't - check for slip in the seems or you may have to wait for your ceramic to dry a little more.

Finally - Extra pieces are removed - these are usually pretty obvious - cone shaped pieces from pour holes.

You now have a piece of Greenware!

Next .....  Bisque ..... Firing ....