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Home > Arts and Crafts Projects for Kids > Plaster Casting Crafts
Many lovely and useful items can be made from plaster of Paris, molding plaster, or patching plaster. All can be used the same way so shop around and purchase whichever is the cheapest.
Figurines, animals, and motto molds are available for making objects.. Plaques and pins can be made practically expense free by all ages. The plaster also can be carved to make attractive pictures. Try these ways of using plaster and see what fun it is.
Nearly all plaster includes directions. For casting purposes, mix plaster with water until the consistency is that of a thick batter. Be very sparing when adding water! Remember, plaster hardens quickly and once it sets, it's set!
Wash molds in cold water and shake out. Inside should be damp. Prepare plaster and spoon it into mold. Squeeze out air bubbles and allow plaster to set (about 12 to 20 minutes). Gently peel mold—slowly—and trim off rough edges. Allow to dry completely, then paint with water colors or poster paints.
Obtain a supply of pictures, safety pins, adhesive tape, small fluted paper plates, milk cartons, colorless fingernail polish, hairpins, spoons, rubber furniture cups, Vaseline, plaster, bowl. (One two-pound package of plaster will make about 36 pins and about 24 plaques.)
Select the designs desired for pins or plaques from greeting cards. Prepare molds by cutting milk cartons down to within 1" of the bottom, or by greasing spoons, plates or rubber furniture cups lightly with Vaseline. Place picture or design face down in each mold and mark edge of mold where the top of pin or plaque is. Mix plaster with water until it is a thick pouring consistency. Pour into molds and set in sun.
To make a plaque, insert a hairpin in top of plaque for hanger when the plaster begins to "set." (Yarn or paper clips will also do. To make a pin, insert an open safety pin in plaster, being careful not to let the head fall in too deeply. Place a piece of adhesive tape across safety pin to prevent it from breaking out.
When plaster is hard, ease plaque or pin from mold. Cardboard and rubber molds are best since they are flexible. Use emery board to smooth off ends; cover with colorless fingernail polish. If twin pins are desired, fasten together with a length of gold or silver chain, available at the ten cent stores.
Use the above method for molding a plaque in a paper plate. While plaster is damp and still in mold, outline a design with an orange stick. As plaque dries, carve out the design in relief with orange stick or knife. Paint when dry.
Casting Plaster Animal Tracks - Use Plaster of Paris to cast footprints, handprings, or animal tracks.
How to Make Plaster of Paris Decorative Pins - Use Plaster of Paris to make pin jewelry.
Milk Carton Plastered Log Cabins - Using a milk carton and some plaster, you can build yourself a cute log cabin.
Plaster Whale Note Holding Spindle - Make these plaster whales with a cardboard base and a nail to hold the notes.
Plaster Casts of Handprints & Footprints - Find out how to make these permanent keepsake castings of little feet and hands.
Plaster Rock Hot Plates - Gather a bunch of rocks and stones and turn them into a hot plate with some plaster.
Plaster Fall Bookends - Go on a nature hike and find a natural element such as driftwoof or pinecones...then use a plaster mold to turn them into bookends.
Plaster Sand Casting - Always remember that vacation at the beach by casting a design you make in the sand.
Turtle Paperweights - Fill a seashell or walnut shell with Plaster of Paris to make the heavy paperweight turtle.
Ship in a Bottle - The waves in this bottle are made with plaster of paris...find out how to make it here.
Photo Paperweights - Make a photo paperweight with some plaster to make it heavy.
Seashell Painting Mounted in Plater - Mount a large seashell in plaster and then make a beautiful painting on it.