Molding and Casting

Links

• Mold Max 60 Silicone
  • https://www.smooth-on.com/products/mold-max-60/
  • Handles 560 F
  • $25/pint, $110/gallon: https://www.amazon.com/Mold-High-Resistant-Silicone-Rubber/dp/B00IZNNIU8
• Flask Mold Making: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihlZ9Kh_uPo
• Nerdy Potter: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekahbogard3322
• Slipcasting Inspiration
  • https://old.reddit.com/user/HammerlyCeramics/submitted/
    • https://old.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/1bv965s/my_newest_design/
    • Rub-off: https://old.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/1bz9lvb/3d_printed_ceramic_molds/
    • https://old.reddit.com/r/Art/comments/1asin0s/mug_hammerlyceramics_porcelain_2024/
    • Solid Casting: https://old.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/bgmu47/solid_casting_my_new_bowl_design/
    • Raised Edge Mugs: https://old.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/f8bt3z/porcelain_mugs_before_and_after_cone_10_reduction/
    • https://old.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/1as9ek3/my_newest_mug_design_and_glaze_combo/
      • How?: https://old.reddit.com/r/Pottery/comments/1as9ek3/my_newest_mug_design_and_glaze_combo/kqqxp0l/
      • "No [I don't rub off]. [The purple glaze is] just runny and breaks clear on the edges to expose the [mint] underglaze"
• Kiln_Controller

GPT Thoughts

Casting Ideas

Creating small castings that cater to diverse interests, including those of nerds, hackers, and scientists, can tap into a rich vein of cultural, intellectual, and pop culture themes. Here are some ideas across a range of interests:

For Nerds and Pop Culture Fans:

1. Science Fiction and Fantasy Icons: Characters and symbols from popular franchises like Star Trek (e.g., the Starfleet insignia), Star Wars (e.g., the Rebel Alliance or Imperial crest), and Lord of the Rings (e.g., the One Ring, Elvish inscriptions).
2. Superheroes: Logos or iconic items from superhero comics and movies, like Batman’s bat symbol, Superman’s S-shield, or Captain America’s shield.
3. Video Game Symbols: Icons and characters from beloved video games, such as the Triforce from Zelda, the Lambda logo from Half-Life, or Pokéballs from Pokémon.
4. Anime and Manga Motifs: Popular anime and manga symbols, like the Sharingan from Naruto or the Survey Corps emblem from Attack on Titan.

For Hackers and Technologists:

1. Circuitry and Tech Components: Miniature circuit boards, soldering irons, or USB symbols. The Raspberry Pi logo or representations of classic computing hardware could also appeal.
2. Cryptocurrency Logos: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrency logos.
3. Programming and Software Icons: Icons or symbols representing programming languages (e.g., the Python logo) or important software (e.g., the Linux penguin, Tux).

For Scientists:

1. Molecular Structures: Caffeine, dopamine, or DNA helix models.
2. Scientific Instruments: Miniature telescopes, microscopes, or beakers.
3. Mathematical Symbols: Pi symbol, golden ratio, or famous equations.
4. Astronomical Objects: Planets, moons, or the solar system models; famous constellations or the Hubble Space Telescope.

Mainstream Ideas:

1. Nature and Wildlife: Miniature trees (e.g., bonsai), animals (e.g., elephants for good luck), or flowers (e.g., roses).
2. Cultural Symbols: Symbols of peace (e.g., peace sign), love (e.g., hearts), or luck (e.g., four-leaf clovers).
3. Historical Figures and Artifacts: Mini busts of historical figures, famous sculptures, or artifacts like the Rosetta Stone.
4. Musical Instruments: Tiny guitars, violins, or pianos.
5. Sports: Equipment from various sports, like a football, basketball, or Olympic symbols.

These small castings could appeal to enthusiasts’ passions, acting as conversation starters, decorative items, or personal talismans that reflect individual interests and identities. The key is to capture the essence of what makes each subject matter special to its fans.