Once you have made a few molds yourself and your confidence is high, you can begin making your own decorative molds from instant molding compounds. (The method for making a molded shape is described on p. 128.) Here is how:

• The object to be molded is coated with release agent.

• It is then covered with the mold material, either poured or painted on.

• The mold is allowed to dry thoroughly.

• It is then peeled off the object whose shape you are duplicating and used the same way as a rubber mold.

Once you master this technique — and it does take a lot of practice — you will see unlimited possibilities before you for creating decorative candle shapes with molds. You can copy china dogs, a bust of Beethoven, an interesting wine bottle, or your own — or a friend's — hand or foot! As a bonus, you can reuse the molds that you create from interesting originals.