Create a beautiful botanical mold, cast with plaster, then add color with watercolors and oil pastels.

Steps

• Step 1
  Knead Model Magic for about a minute until it is flexible. Divide portion in half. Roll one portion into your desired shape. Press flowers, leaves, grass or rubbing plates into the clay to make your desired design.


• Step 2
  Roll the second portion into a snake and wrap around the edge of the printed piece using the coil building technique.



• Step 3
  Pinch the edges gently to create a lip at least 1/2” tall around the form. Allow to dry completely.



• Step 4
  Cut a portion of wire approximately 1-1/2” long. Bend into a u-shape. Using pliers, curl the ends up a little, making a hook. The hook will help the wire stick in the plaster.


• Step 5
  Mix up a portion of plaster following the directions on the container. It should be the consistency of toothpaste. Gently spoon plaster into the mold. Softly tap the mold on a flat surface to help remove bubbles.


• Step 6
  Place the hook into the wet plaster. Allow to dry completely.



• Step 7
  When completely dry, remove the plaster cast from the mold.



• Step 8
  Using watercolors, paint the dried plaster cast. This process is called fresco-secco. Tips: be generous with water; plaster is extremely porous. Build up colors from lighter to darker.


• Step 9
  Using oil pastels, color in the raised portions of the mold, making the outline stand out.



• Example 1
  Ginko Leaf



• Example 2
  Bumble Bee



• Example 3
  Flowers



• Example 4
  Snowflake

Products Used

• Crayola White Model Magic
• Casting Plaster