I vulcanized a popsicle stick in organic rubber, then cast pewter in the cavity. The stick came out of the mold thinner, like a coffee stir. The wood grain was more dramatic. I’m definitely going to experiment further since I have many popsicle sticks left.
Vulcanization involves 350°F and about 50 tons of hydraulic pressure. It stinks like a tire store, too.
206/365
Started with a sheet of tin and a pewter rivet. The pewter rivet disintegrated while adding the hammered texture. Voila, brass rivet to the rescue.
UPDATE:
I was working with K&S Precision Metals’ Tin Sheet again. I was trying to melt the edges to make an interesting effect, but something weird happened. The “tin” turned bright red and started changing colors like aluminum.
I called K&S Precision Metals and told them of the trouble I was having. They told me that tin is really expensive. Then they told me the whammy. Their Precision Tin Sheet is actually tin plated steel. No wonder the rivet failed. It also explains why this ring damaged my hammer.
190/365
