Releasing the moulds

 I was quite pleased with the recent batch of moulds, taken from doll's parts. They seem to have worked much better by placing the object at the end of the retainer wall. They came away easily.

 This is the first attempt at the casting from the first moulds. Although I had to glue some bits together which broke as they were extracted from the mould, it is hidden with the silver leaf. I chose to use the silver leaf as it creates a shinier finish to using silver paint, spray or pen. It has more depth to it. Someone said it reminded them of chocolate. I'd like to attempt to make a whole body (but maybe using different parts from odd dolls, and maybe an animal head)...watch this space!

 Second casting attempt with this mould. It seems to work much better if you leave the plaster over night to dry out/ go off a bit more. This way it is stronger when releasing from the mould, and less breakages!

Second attempt leg cast

Barbie Girl

Moulds held together with elastic bands

 I decided to attempt to make more moulds. Making these moulds has been a learning process, from how to build the retaining wall, where to position the object, what consistency is best for the plaster, when to release the moulds. With all this in mind I have made some more examples.

Studio table

 I wanted the casts to be slightly smaller than the previous ones, so I used some old Barbie dolls. I positioned the body parts right at the end of the retaining wall, this will then be where the pour enters the mould. I also made the whole thing smaller as to save on plaster.

Half of plaster moulds

 The first half of the moulds seem to have worked well, although I am slightly worried about of couple of areas which have over hangs.

Second half of plaster pour

 After building up the retaining walls again, I have done the second plaster pours. Fingers crossed.

Silver leaf onto plaster casts

I wanted to see what the silver leaf looked like on the plaster. It was quite fiddly to do, and it needs a coating of size, but I was quite pleased with the effect so far.

Casting

I now have 2 workable 2-part moulds,ready for experimenting with casting - an arm and a leg.

I would like to try casting in plaster, wax, resin, maybe even ice.

When the casts are finished I want to try putting them together with other materials including leather, textiles, beads, wire, metal, food stuff etc...
One member of the Pitt River's Mind group is working on a 'hunting votive'. He is currently making a pig 2-part mould and will then cast it. He wants to put an arrow head, leather thong and beaded fabric with this. This is similar to the object which he drew at the museum on the first session.
John, another member is creating Siligum moulds of some old medals/coins, ehich were his Grandads. He will then cast them in plaster of Paris. John has also made a start on a clay fox.
Adam, the Mind group carer is creating work based on owls. He has made a start on a clay owl which he is adding textures by using shells pressed into the clay. I suggested maybe using some other materials with his such as feathers, wire or fabrics. Maybe Adam could look at some other detailed parts of the owl, such as the talons, the feathers, beak, eyes and use these to inspire another piece of work.