CRAFTS---PLASTER OF PARIS  CASTS TO PAINT

When my children where young there was a plaster of paris figurine  kit that had rubber molds you filled with the plaster. When it dried the figurine would come out of the mold and the children would paint them. The kids just loved it. A few years ago I started looking for the kit for my craft classes but all I could find was a single flat plaster cast in a bag with some paint for anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 for a single object which would be much too expensive for a class of 20 to 30 kids.

   I started looking for something that I could use to make those fun molds. I went to toy stores, Michaels' and AC Moore. You could buy a mold strip that contained from 3 to 12 molds , depending on the size of the grouping. I have found pirates, cars, flowers, toys, animals, bugs, princess, etc. groupings.

                           

Often used mold

  In the same craft stores or in a hardware store you can buy a small container or a larger bag of plaster of paris for just a few dollars that will yield up to 50 or more plaster casts for the kids to paint.  It is easy but messy to make. I try to do it outside but have made them inside too. Make sure you use newspaper or plastic under the molds while you work to contain the spills.

  I use a small container, or a larger 10 oz disposable cup to make small batches, You have only about 3 minutes to mix the plaster before it starts to set. Put water in the cup first and then add plaster a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent blobs of unmixed plaster. You are ready to pour when the plaster has the consistency of a milkshake or thin cake batter. It will begin to harden quickly. I usually do at least 3 or four strips at a time. Let the plaster cool, if it feels warm they are not ready to come out. Pop them out, and start again. I usually make over 50 to 100 casts at a time because the kids will want more than one or two.

 

This has been a favorite project at my craft classes or summer camps. Age does not matter as 4 year old's to 15 year old's love to paint them, but chose your subject matter carefully and adjust to the ages and genders you are working with.