Discover the joy of creating with this highly favored plaster of paris craft activity, allowing both children and grown-ups to personalize plaster craft molds through painting.
For more than two decades, my spouse and I worked at a year-round camp and retreat center, and crafts were undeniably the most beloved activity among all the wonderful options.
When I was responsible for selecting Summer camp crafts, one activity consistently remained a favorite: painting plaster craft molds.
This crafting method is budget-friendly, and we processed hundreds of plaster molds each year.
Annually, we dedicated several weeks to casting hundreds of plaster of paris molds so campers could paint them during craft sessions.
This article will guide you through the method of creating your own plaster designs using molds.
What specific plaster of paris should you utilize when crafting with plaster molds?
Given the volume of plaster craft molds we poured, we acquired the “No 1 Pottery Plaster” bags; a 50 pound bag is available, and checking local building supply stores might also yield results.
**CAUTION!!: This undertaking is messy! Please prepare yourself and the workspace appropriately. Don an apron for clothing protection, use rubber gloves for skin defense (though finding a size that fits my hands is a challenge…!), and cover the work surface and floor with paper or cardboard. Additionally, you must review all warnings on the plaster itself.
Here is how the entire procedure operates at our location; I am thankful to the former craft shop attendant who patiently shared her system, perfected over 20 years—this concept is entirely hers (Thanks, Joyce!).
Materials required for pouring plaster of paris molds
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- A bucket holding clean, lukewarm water along with a 1 cup scoop
- An aged, used bucket containing water for rinsing
- A scrubbing brush
- A rubber bowl designated for mixing plaster
- An old knife
- A used measuring cup for gauging the plaster powder
- An outdated spatula
- plaster molds (Refer below for purchasing choices for plaster of paris molds.)
- Wire shaped into hangars
Sources to acquire plaster molds
Our camp has accumulated plaster molds over many decades, so we possess a sizable collection! Several locations for purchasing plaster molds include:
- This Etsy shop offers many contemporary and elegant 3D plaster molds, such as vases
- Plaster of paris forms excellent soap molds
- Young boys would enjoy these car plaster of paris molds
- Similar selections to what the camp offered are available
Guide to pouring plaster of paris for crafting projects
- Arrange the molds so they won't topple when pouring plaster; boxes or cottage cheese containers suit this:
First, pour 3/4 cup of water into the mixing bowl when ready
Next, incorporate the plaster powder into the water while stirring with a knife
Achieving the right texture is somewhat delicate; the necessary plaster powder quantity shifts based on water temperature, room temperature, and air humidity. Generally, I employed about 3 1/2 cups of powder per batch. Aim for a smooth yet slightly thick consistency, like thin pancake batter.
Take care not to make it overly thick, or you might not pour it all before it sets! Rest assured, you will master this after the initial few batches!
Quickly pour into the molds, keeping in mind the plaster begins setting immediately upon contact with water…
After pouring, gently shake and tap the molds to ensure even plaster distribution and to bring bubbles to the surface.
Insert a wire hanger into the rear after shaking and bumping.
One batch successfully filled 7 small or medium-sized molds.
After all plaster is poured, scrape the bowl thoroughly {swiftly!} with the spatula.
Rinse all equipment and the bowl right away in the rinse water bucket. ***This step is extremely vital! NEVER EVER clean your tools in a sink… This is akin to sending cement down your drain!!! …
The molds should be hardened and ready to remove in approximately an hour (or less). They actually warm up while curing, and when they feel cool again, they are ready to be popped out.
Simply invert it in your hand, give it a gentle “SMACK”, and it will emerge! With proper care, your molds can last for many years… Some of ours are historical pieces, I'm certain.
We repeated this process as fast as possible over 2 1/2 working days. I cannot count how many molds we now possess… However, I estimate that each 50 pound bag will produce a minimum of 150 small-medium molds and 60 larger ones. {We have used 3 bags and have 2 remaining…}
While drying, ensure airflow around the back of the molds. Since they are porous and retain moisture, preventing mold growth on the reverse sides is important.
How can these plaster molds be utilized for crafting by children and adults?
This plaster craft is somewhat unique and serves as a fun novelty for both children and grown-ups. The activity involves personalizing each mold through painting. Over the 2 decades I spent at camp, this craft remained very popular!
We utilized liquid washable tempera paints for younger children and acrylic paints for adults. Once the paint is completely dry, the molds can be coated with a clear sealant spray. Then, they can be displayed on a wall using the wire hanger on the back.
Additional Camp Craft Concepts and Advice
- Advice for selecting and organizing camp crafts
- Crafting a Mosaic Mirror Using Beach Stones
- Simple Watercolor Art for Every Age Group
