UTEE Cubes!

Shannon asked a really good question about the Mold & Pour molds I shared with you...she wondered how many times you could use them and how long they last. WELL, that's what makes these things so great ~ you can use them over and over and over... I have some molds that I made 4 or 5 years ago that look and feel just like they did when I made them. I have used some of these molds many many times. I've not worn any out in all the years I've been using them so I can't say they last forever but they do last a very VERY long time :)

also ~

How many molds can you get from one package. Well, that all depends on the size of molds you're making. The giant leaf (about 4 1/2-5" across) took less than one package. Remember I know the containers look small but you're using an equal portion of each so it's really double.

O.k....on to the technique...

UTEE Cubes

Supplies:

Clear UTEE - Ranger

Melt Pot - Ranger

Charms, Buttons or other goodies

Silicone Ice Cube Tray

Heat Gun (optional)

Alcohol Ink (optional)

Instructions:

1. You need to pre-heat the Melt Pot and add the UTEE, cover and melt. (we're going to be using quite a bit so you may need to melt more part of the way though.)

2. Choose various charms, buttons, stickers, beads, etc. to fill each ice cube section. Today I am using Jessie James Buttons...flowers and bugs for one set and safari animals for another.

Simply place desired goodies into each well of the tray. You can arrange them as shown in the photo. You will be pouring the UTEE in very slowly so they shouldn't move around much if at all.

3. Pour the melted UTEE slowly into each well. If a piece moves, use a pair of tweezers, skewer or other tool to quickly move it back into place. DON"T TOUCH THE UTEE! Let the UTEE cool.

NOTE: if you get bubbles or imperfections on the surface of your UTEE cube no worries...see the next step.

4. (Optional) If by chance you have an air bubble or imperfection on the surface of your UTEE cube, while the cube is still in the tray, heat the surface with a heat tool. It will take approx. 30-40 seconds before the UTEE re-melts and fixes it's self but it will eventually melt and fill it's self in. It's very forgiving!

Note - this won't work if the bubbles are near the bottom of the cube - embrace imperfect ;)

5. Once the cubes have cooled, pop them out of the tray! They're ready to use!

6. (Optional) Now if the amber color isn't quite the look you were aiming for try covering the backs of each cube with Alcohol Inks!!! Really adds some zing to them don't you think?

So that's the UTEE Cubes technique!

Way cool huh?

Tomorrow I'll share a couple of projects I made using these and other UTEE Cubes.

Till Then Friends...

Ink On!!