I ran a workshop on Saturday.. showing 18 art teachers how to prepare, melt and use plastic lids. It was great fun and they had some inspiring ideas as to what to do with the discs...! So, as I am moving onto other things i thought someone might like a list on 'how to'...? I have been fine tuning my process for a while now.. but it is relatively simple.. You will need:
Method:
- A flat plate sandwich press
- Teflon Sheet (BBQ sheet) I buy mine for $5 at Reject Shop, I cut it in half
- Some lids, preferable HDPE as they melt at a low heat and are not too stinky... if you are brave then experiment with other plastic.. BUT MELT THEM OUTSIDE
- Heavy books
Method:
- Pick out the little paper discs inside the lids
- Wash your lids.. I throw a whole load into the washing machine! If not washed the milk or juice residue will burn onto the discs leaving brown marks....
- Dry lids
- Stack your lids in little piles of two or three... depending how you stack will depend on the end shape!
- Place a sheet of teflon on sandwich press, place your little piles of lids on top, cover with other sheet of teflon
- Press... They will take a minute to start melting and the upper plate of the press will touch the base plate when ready... you can flip your little teflon parcel halfway
- Carefully remove the teflon parcel and place under heavy books until cool... I like to stand on them too (on the book)... I have 3 sandwich presses going at the same time..
- When cool... create.. they can be drilled easily. You can also take a rolling pin to them when removed from the press and still hot, over the teflon to 'sqoosh' them more!
- You can experiment with plastic beads, mirrors etc... just make sure you are outside or in a very well ventilated room.....
Hope that all makes some sense and you have a go!!!! Any questions..? Ask away!
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