Plaster of Paris is a fantastic craft material. It's surprisingly easy to use and not as messy as you would think. The end results are often very impressive and satisfying to make. Pick up a bag of plaster of Paris cheaply any art of craft shop.
What can you make out of craft plaster?
Plaster can be set in any sort of mould to create decorations, interesting objects or even your own sidewalk chalk! You could try using shop bought moulds e.g. novelty shaped silicone ice cube or muffin trays. For homemade moulds, try recycling old packaging (e.g yoghurt pots or plastic tubs). You can also use play dough or sand in a tub to make a shaped mould.
How to use it:
Use disposable tubs to mix the plaster as you won't want to wash plaster down the sink.
Mix plaster and water together according to the ratio on the pack instructions. I usually use about 2 parts plaster to 1 part water and aim for a consistency like pancake batter but have found that precise proportions don't matter too much - although if there's a lot of water it will take a long time to set.
To add colour, try mixing powder poster paint (tempera powder) to three dry plaster mix at the beginning.
Pour the plaster soon after mixing as it will start setting quickly and tap the mould to release any bubbles.
You can usually pop the cast out of the mould after 24 hours - then leave for a further couple of days to dry out completely.
The finished plaster item can be painted with acrylic paint.
Need some project inspiration? Here are our Top 10 plaster of Paris craft projects from the MyKidCraft archive.
1. Create a spooky Halloween hand by casting plaster in a rubber glove. Put it in the Trick or Treat bowl to scare any visitors!
Click here to learn how.
2. Make your own cardboard and foil heart mould to create this unusual plaster heart coaster for Mother's Day.
Click here for the article.
3. Make your own sidewalk chalk, using a silicone ice cube mould to make novelty shapes.
Click here to read how.
4. Try making a plaster tea light candle holder to create a lovely homemade gift.
Click here for the tutorial.
5. Create some interesting plaster charms to add to a gift or display.
Click here to read how.
6. Have fun creating dinosaur footprints for the garden.
Click here to learn how to make them.
7. Mould your own plaster shapes ready for painting.
Click here for the article.
8. Explore nature and try leaf casting in plaster.
Click here to read the tutorial.
9. Little dinosaur enthusiasts will love a dinosaur excavation! Try encasing a plastic dinosaur in plaster and creating your own excavation activity.
Click here to find out how.
10. Use sand as a mould to create your own cast fossils.
Click here for the tutorial.
Have you got any great plaster projects or tips on how to use plaster of Paris? Please share photos, comments or ideas in the comments forum.
Categories
#Plaster of Paris
#Plaster
#Top 10
#Any age
#Messy play
