As we grow older, the acceleration of time becomes more and more apparent. Days speed along as weeks, months, and seasons seem to fly along uncontrollably. Adding a child to the situation draws even more attention to just how quickly time passes. Turn around three times and your baby is suddenly standing on the sidewalk waiting for the bus on his or her first day of school. Although you can't stop the hands of time, you can capture a reminder of those fleeting moments of your child's formative years. For those looking for a craft project to do with their child, a plaster casting of your child's hands or feet makes a fun and easy summertime project.
What you will need:
- A medium-sized container with a depth of about 4" (i.e., a plastic pan, disposable aluminum foil baking/roasting pan, cardboard box, etc.)
- Play sand (available at home and garden centers)
- Water
- Plaster of Paris (available at department stores and craft/home improvement centers)
- A disposable plastic bucket with a pouring lip
- Dry and wet measuring cups
- Wooden paint stirrer
- Paint brush
- Length of string or wire (if desired)
- Watercolor paints
This is a good project for outdoors in a shady location. If you choose to try plaster casting indoors, cover the work area with old newspapers and/or a large plastic drop cloth to protect your household surfaces. Start the project by lightly wetting the sand with water as you place it in the medium-sized container. You want the sand to be just damp (not soaking wet) so it will hold its shape when a hand or foot is pressed into it. Gently smooth the surface of the sand to prepare it for taking an impression. The sand should be slightly loose, not packed tightly so there is room to make a good impression of the hand or foot.
Next, have your child press his or her hand or foot into the sand, pressing down fully to make a good impression. Moving the hand straight down and back up again without shifting it around will help leave the cleanest edges. If your child would like, both hands or both feet can be used at the same time. If you don't obtain a good, clean impression the first time, simply mix the sand, smooth it, and try again. Once you have a good impression, be careful not to bump or move the container.
Now it's time to mix the Plaster of Paris that will be poured into the impression to form a casting. Using a plastic bucket with a pour spout, follow the instructions on the package (usually two parts Plaster of Paris to one part water) and mix the plaster thoroughly to eliminate any lumps. The plaster should be smooth and have the consistency of heavy cream. Once the plaster is mixed, you will need to work quickly before it begins to set and harden. Gently pour or spoon the plaster into the impression, filling it to the top of the void. Pour close to the impression so you disturb the impression as little as possible. Lightly smooth the top of the liquid plaster. At this point you can gently press a loop of cord or wire into the plaster to make a hanger. This will enable you to hang the piece for display. Allow the casting to sit, undisturbed, until the plaster cast has fully hardened.
Gently pull the sand away from the plaster casting and brush any remaining sand from the surface. Allow the casting to cure overnight or until it is dry to the touch. Once dry, your child can display his or her creation as it is or the surface can be painted with watercolors.
The same technique can be used to make a casting from other objects including seashells, pinecones, and other items in nature. For a special keepsake, take a plaster casting of your child's hand each year and you'll be able to look back over snapshots of life captured in plaster. So, get your child in a creative mood and help them preserve their own memories of being young!
