How to Make Plastic Bugs

Plastic Bugs from Latex Casting Compound

• 1

  Pour one cup of latex casting compound into a jar. Add one tablespoon of acrylic paint to the jar. The resulting color will be lighter than the paint used. To darken the color, add up to two tablespoons of paint. If the color needs further darkening, add one teaspoon of paint plus one tablespoon of latex. Adding too much paint weakens the latex's ability to set. Mix the latex and paint with a spoon.

• 2

  Pour the colored latex into the bug mold. Overfill the mold slightly because, as the United Artworks website says, latex shrinks about 12 percent as it dries. Plastic bug molds are available in the soap and candy section of craft and hobby stores. Some fishing supply stores may offer worm molds for making fishing lures.

• 3

  Allow the bugs to dry for about 24 hours. Remove the bugs from the mold. Allow the bugs to air dry. Paint bugs with latex paint to add details.

Plastic Bugs from Liquid Plastic

• 4

  Shake the plastic container to mix. Pour two tablespoons of liquid plastic into the warming pot, pan or glass measuring cup depending on the heating method used. Liquid plastic goes a long way. One ounce will make about two medium-sized bugs. The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide says that one gallon of liquid plastic will create about 768 worms that measure about six inches long.

• 5

  Heat until the plastic changes to a clear appearance. If using a microwave, heat the glass cup for about four minutes. Stop the microwave at three minutes, stir and finish heating.

• 6

  Stir the melted plastic with a spoon. If the spoon meets with resistance, add 5 drops of softener to the liquid plastic.

• 7

  Add a drop of color to the melted plastic. Stir with a spoon. Add another drop of color if you prefer a darker hue.

• 8

  Transfer the plastic to a glass measuring cup if it is in a pot or pan. Pour the melted plastic into the bug mold until level with the mold top. Don't let it run over the sides. Let the bugs set for about three minutes.

• 9

  Fill a bowl with water. Remove the bugs from the mold. Place them into the water to cool. Remove the bugs from the water and let them air dry.