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PC Stoppers

I bought some small glass test tubes from good ol' American Science and Surplus with the thought of beading around them to make amulet/aromatherapy necklaces. I also bought some #2 corks to use as stoppers.

The test tubes I got were "assorted" in 2 sizes, 4" and 3". The longer tubes have a slightly larger inner diameter than the shorter ones, and the corks fit nicely. However, it's the 3" tubes that I want to use, and the corks are a bit tight.

I suppose #1 corks would fit, but AS&S didn't have any....

I also had some Sculpey "Elasticlay" in that order for making molds, and just on a whim, I shaped a plug of the stuff, just about cork-sized, and baked it up.

Makes a great stopper: It's just rubbery enough to compress into the opening and sit tight. Probably not good for use with essential oils, though; oils will eventually dissolve rubber stoppers, and would probably do the same to polyclay. However, I'll bet with some fancy polyclay and beads or other ornamentation, the elasticlay stoppers would be just the ticket for use with non-volatile contents. :-)

Arondelle

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Arondelle
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That sounds like a great idea! I can't wait to see what you do with the test tubes!

Reply to
Beadbimbo

It sounds like a very creative idea... but I was reading on the polyclay newsgroup last week, someones observations about using elasticlay. The author of the following article.. RCBs own Sarajane, had this to say:

Hi Irwin! Thanks for the info on the eraser clay. I think you are spot-on about the plasticisers.

I have Elasticlay from over the last twelve years' use, (and I may have this result because of the last eight spent in high altitude and low humidity--) all my elasticlay molds are VERY dry, very hard, and many have fine cracks. Many also have a bubbly sort of "bloom" on the surface, a roughened texture that was NOT there originally. All were baked according to directions, all were OK (flexible) at first.Many were used heavily, some not at all, all show this dried-out quality; so I don't think its because of reactions with raw clays. And all are VERY hard. I have switched to using Miracle Mold RTV for casting molds. Sarajane

While she is talking about using the elasticlay for molds I would think the clay does not lend itself to a project you hope will last a long time. Diana

Reply to
Diana Curtis

Diana Curtis wrote: > While she is talking about using the elasticlay for molds I would > think the clay does not lend itself to a project you hope will last > a long time.

I spent some more time messing around with the stuff this afternoon, and now the whole apartment stinks. I have to open a window -- and it's cold out there. I don't think this is going to become a production number anytime soon. Trimming the over-sized corks is beginning to look more attractive: at least they don't stink.

Arondelle

Reply to
Arondelle

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