Holiday Trivet by Lisa Fulmer for Activa Products

I am new to mold-making and working with plasters – if you are too, then this trivet is a great starter project. It’s a simple shape that is fun to paint, stamp or stencil with seasonal colors or your favorite images for the holidays.

Supplies

InstaMold

PermaStone

Round aluminum gift tin

Disposable plastic containers

Small jewelry molds

Measuring cups

Water, stir stickCraft paints, brush, cosmetic sponge

Stencil Glazing medium

Heavy-duty craft glue

Mix the InstaMold powder with warm water according to the directions in the package and pour into disposable plastic dish (I save them from microwaveable meals) that is larger and deeper than the item you want to make a mold with. I wanted a plain flat circle, so I used the base of a 5” round gift tin that was about 1” deep. The molding process does not damage the item – the tin was easy to clean off and put away afterwards. After just a few minutes, gently submerge the tin into the Instamold (it will have a slightly gelatinous feel) a little bit more than half-way. I used the ridge around the top of the tin as a guide to be sure my trivet has even depth all the way around. Carefully hold the tin in place for a few minutes while the Instamold sets some more (rest your hands on the edge of the plastic dish). Let go when the tin stays put by itself , try not to move it from it’s original position.

After the recommended setting time, gently pull the tin out and the mold is ready to use. Mix enough PermaStone powder with warm water (according to the directions in the package) to fit your shape, then pour it slowly into the mold, right up to the very top. I had a little PermaStone mixture left over, so I poured it into some small jewelry molds, which will work nicely for the feet on this trivet.

I let the mold pour sit for a few hours, then it was really easy to pop the PermaStone disc right out. Allow it to dry thoroughly before painting – until it is no longer cold to the touch. Also, if you want to save your InstaMold to make more trivets, follow the directions to store it properly to prevent drying out.

Paint the top and sides of the trivet – I started with dark green, then smudged gold paint over it when the green was dry. When the gold was dry, I dabbed the green through a stencil with a cosmetic sponge. When all the paint dry, brush on a coat of glazing medium to seal. Paint and seal the bottom if desired, after gluing on the feet.

Most craft paints and mediums are NOT resistant to high heat, so use this trivet for cold or warm dishes only. It also looks pretty with a small candle on top or displayed by itself, peeking out from some greenery in your centerpiece.