Plaster of Paris provides a quick-setting and readily available medium for model making. During the first stages of drying, the plaster is soft enough that rough edges are easily sanded and further details can be etched in it. Often used to create hand print plaques, plaster of Paris is also suitable for making a model of the entire hand instead of just a print. Use the models to display jewelry such as rings, as a memory craft or in other craft projects.
Instructions
1. Fill an aluminum pie plate with modeling clay. Use white or undyed clay; otherwise, the dye may bleed onto the plaster.
2. Press your hand into the clay until the level of the clay is just above the top of your hand. Push your hand into the clay palm up or palm down, depending on the preferred viewing side of the finished model.
3. Combine 2 parts plaster of Paris powder with 1 part water in a disposable plastic cup. Mix the water and plaster together with a plastic spoon until the mixture is smooth and the plaster completely dissolves.
4. Pour the plaster into the clay hand print. Fill the hand print up to its top edge.
5. Leave the plaster to dry for one hour. Touch the plaster to ensure it has hardened before working with it further.
6. Lift the plaster hand out of the clay mold. Peel away any stuck-on clay from the hand, but use caution as the plaster is still fragile at this point.
7. Buff away the excess plaster and further shape the hand with a fine-grit sandpaper. Deepen any lines or other details with the tip of a utility knife.
8. Set the plaster hand in a safe, well-ventilated area and allow it to dry for an additional 48 hours.
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