06 Jan Creating Molecules for February – Ideas/Suggestions Needed!

I received a message on Twitter today from Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis. They were asking about suggestions for creating over-sized molecules for February’s set.

The suggestions in the Get Ready section of 252 Basics suggest styrofoam balls and dowels, but the concern about this is the expense. It is a valid concern, because while this is by far the easiest way to create them – styrofoam is not cheap.

In addition, if you plan on spray painting them (depending on the type of craft foam you choose) you might need to prime the styrofoam first. Regular latex paint works fine on most foam mediums, but spray paint “eats” insulation foam and some forms of craft styrofoam, so you need to prime it first.

Sometimes, this effect can be very cool. It creates a hammered look and can add to what you are creating (like the EPIC letters in the photo), but in the case of molecules, you will not want to shrink the foam or compromise the shape in anyway, so be sure to test it first if you are spray painting. If it does shrink it, you can put a quick coat of modge-podge on first and then spray paint it. That keeps the form of the foam in tact.

Having said all of that, we are looking for alternative suggestions for creating over-sized molecules.

I did my usual search on Google and Pinterest for ideas on how to create such a prop, but did not come up with much. I did find a few things that jogged some ideas. I’ve shared them below, but decided it would be best to create a post and hopefully get more opinions on this. You are all so creative and smart and I know you’ll have fantastic ideas on how to go about this. So, jump in.

Let us know if you have a solution and thanks in advance for brainstorming with us!

My initial thoughts:

• Consider large bouncy balls and dowels or wrapping paper rolls. The dowels/rolls would need to be taped onto the ball and that could be difficult and the tape might show through after painting.
• Another option could be punching balloons – the ones with the rubber bands attached to the end that you can get in a pack at the dollar store. You could use the rubber band to wrap around and attach it to the dowel. Then paint the molecule and the dowels the colors you desire.

I have not tested this and have never painted balloons or bouncy balls, so these are just quick thoughts I’ve had as I’ve brainstormed how to find a cheaper way to create a molecule.

What do you think might work?