Cernit silicone molds are flexible push molds, 7cm (2.75 inches) across, for shaping polymer clay into a repeatable form. Silicone releases cleanly, so a pressed shape comes out without distorting, and the mold flexes to let you pop out the piece rather than digging it free.

They suit air-dry clay and metal clay as well as polymer, and they take Cernit Gel or any liquid clay — pour it in, bake, and you get a translucent cast of the shape, which is a different effect from a pressed one and worth trying.

Discontinued design. Cernit has retired this one. What we have in stock is the last of it — once it sells through we cannot reorder.

Getting a clean release: a light dusting of cornstarch in the mold before pressing, or a smear of water, stops the clay gripping. Press firmly from the center outwards so air does not get trapped behind the shape, and chill the filled mold for a few minutes if the clay is soft — a cold piece releases far more cleanly than a warm one.

Oven-safe, within reason. These molds tolerate the temperatures polymer clay cures at, so you can bake clay in the mold rather than releasing it first — useful for anything delicate that would distort on the way out. Keep to the clay’s stated maximum and tent the piece with foil if your oven runs hot; silicone will take curing heat but not a spike above it.

These are non-food silicone, so keep them to the craft bench and out of the kitchen.

• Cernit reference: CE95113C
• Design: Flowers
• Size: 7cm (2.75 in) diameter