Plaster cast christmas decorations

I love plaster casting.  It has that 'wow' (or 'oh dear' for that matter!) reveal moment, like printmaking, which gives me a bit of a thrill.  Found moulds are one of my favourite ways to cast.  There has to be some good come out of all the weird and wonderful plastic packaging we find ourselves with.  So when I saw this at the bottom of a rather gooey cheesecake we consumed at the weekend, I thought only of filling it with plaster.

Then I remembered we had this, from some crayons that Beth has (don't recommend these ones by the way, they are difficult to use and too hard, stockmar are what we love).   I wasn't sure that all the crayon shapes would cast as there was no 'base' between some of them, so I was figuring I could cast every other crayon shape... if you can get my drift.

 

We prepared the materials.  Plaster of paris for casting, water, mixing sticks, one Boo.

 

Mixed up the plaster to a lovely creamy consistency.

 

And poured in.  It's best to pour gradually and tap the side of your mould frequently so that the air bubbles rise to the surface and don't spoil your cast (more important if its finely detailed).  

 

We left the casts for a few hours, then carefully removed from the moulds (which can be reused).

 

I suspected all the crayon bits around the side wouldn't cast,  but I poured plaster in them anyway.  Sure enough, in the removal of the mould they broke away, but this is what it would have looked like.

 

However, I think its fine without all the bits, and makes a pretty good star... or is it a snowflake?  There is a lovely flat tile-like bit in the centre... I'm thinking of painting an image here or collaging something on... not sure yet.

Anyhow, they need a day or two to dry out completely now, then I can sand off the rough edges.  You can paint plaster of course.  I kind of like materials in themselves though, so I think I'll leave the round one white and put it on the nature table.  The 'stars' might get an image in the centre as I said, but I'm not sure I'll paint the rest.