‘The idea for Sugru was developed by Jane Ní Dhulchaointigh from Kilkenny, Ireland. Ní Dhulchaointigh studied product design as a post-graduate research student at the Royal College of Art where she conceived the idea for the substance in 2003 whilst using mixtures of standard silicone sealants and sawdust in her work.’ ~ Wikipedia

Sugru is a silicone-based material that can be moulded and sets for form a hard, stable, heat-resistant object.

(via Instructables )”Silicone is a high viscosity rubber when uncured and becomes an amorphous rubber when cured and is a molecule containing *silicon* combined with oxygen and other elements.

silicone – Any of a number of polymers containing alternate silicon and oxygen atoms, as (–Si–O–Si–O–) n , whose properties are determined by the organic groups attached to the silicon atoms, and that are fluid, resinous, rubbery, extremely stable in high temperatures, and water-repellent: used as adhesives, lubricants, and hydraulic oils and in electrical insulation, cosmetics, etc.

silicon – a. a brittle metalloid element that exists in two allotropic forms; occurs principally in sand, quartz, granite, feldspar, and clay. It is usually a grey crystalline solid but is also found as a brown amorphous powder. It is used in transistors, rectifiers, solar cells, and alloys. ”

In other words, the “e” makes a huge difference!

It seemed likely that I could sugru for both making moulds and for making moulded objects. Both negative and positive impressions should be possible.

I found some excellent tutorials on using Sugru to mould smaller items, for example:

Sugru for casting

http://www.instructables.com/id/Casting-Objects-in-Sugru-Make-your-own-candle-wax-/?ALLSTEPS

Sugru for making stamps

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-stamps-with-Sugru/?ALLSTEPS

http://www.instructables.com/id/Impressed-Sugru-Stamps/?ALLSTEPS

Oogoo

Oogoo is essentially a homemade Sugru substitute. I found good tutorials on making and using it:

Oogroo substitute

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Your-Own-Sugru-Substitute/?ALLSTEPS

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-silicone-mold-from-common-household-materia/?ALLSTEPS