How to Make Your Own Silicone Molds for Crafting

If you’ve ever looked at the price of silicone molds, you know they can get really expensive.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make your own molds using 100% clear silicone, cornstarch, and a few things you already have around the house.

They’re flexible, durable, and perfect for air-dry clay, resin, or plaster plus you can mold almost anything from your stash! You can watch the full tutorial on Youtube below.

1. 100% clear silicone caulking (from the hardware store)
2. Caulking gun
3. Cornstarch
4. Disposable bowl & fork (don’t reuse for food!)
5. Gel food coloring (optional)
6. Rubber gloves or cornstarch for your hands
7. Objects to mold (drawer pulls, buttons, frames, etc.)
8. Rolling pin or slats for even thickness
9. Well-ventilated workspace

Squeeze silicone into your disposable container. Add enough cornstarch to start thickening it keep stirring with a fork until it comes together like pizza dough. Work in a well-ventilated space (silicone fumes are strong).

Tip: Don’t switch to your hands until it’s almost dough-like, too early and you’ll have a sticky mess.

If you’d like tinted molds, mix in a drop or two of gel food coloring. It won’t change how the mold works, but it makes them look pretty and easier to tell apart later.

Dust your hands with cornstarch, then knead the silicone dough until smooth. Roll it out between slats or wooden strips for an even thickness.

Choose items with texture or raised detail, drawer pulls, buttons, stamps, even old jewelry.

Press them firmly into the silicone until it comes slightly up around the edges. You can make multiple molds from one batch, so use every bit of silicone.

Set the molds aside to dry for a couple of hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the silicone feels firm and not tacky.

Carefully peel out each object. The detail you’ll get is incredible — even fine lines or tiny cracks show up beautifully.

For Air-Dry Clay

Dust the mold lightly with cornstarch. Press in your clay, trim off any excess, and smooth the back. Gently remove the clay piece and let it air-dry before painting or gluing it onto your projects.

Creative Ideas

1. Add molded pieces to signs, bottles, or frames
2. Use small molds for ornaments or embellishments
3. Mold stamps, hardware, or jewelry for custom decor

Once you try making your own silicone molds, you’ll be hooked!

You can turn almost anything into a custom mold from old hardware to dollar-store finds and use them with clay, resin, or plaster for your next upcycle or décor project.

If you’d like to see the full step-by-step tutorial, including all my tips and the results of each mold,

🎥 watch the full video on my YouTube channel Our Upcycled Life.

You’ll see exactly how I mix the silicone, roll it out, and use the molds in real DIY projects.