Plaster Press Molds
May 3rd - May 24th, Sundays 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
This is a 4-week course focused on creating plaster molds for pressing clay. Students will learn the fundamentals of mold-making, how to work with plaster in order to create reusable molds, and how to use those molds with clay. This class is open to all levels of experience. Having prior experience with clay will be helpful for creating unique molds, but students can also use found/ existing objects. Note that this class is not geared towards molds for slip-casting.
Resources
Week 1, May 3rd
Introductions, syllabus, class website, pick shelves and first bag of clay.
Please come to class with an idea of what you would like to make a mold of or the actual object (mold positive). I will show sample molds and demonstrate how to prepare your mold positives for the plaster pour.
Ideas: wall sculptures, plates, shallow dishes and bowls, handles for cups and mugs, pins, buttons, earrings, key chains, ornaments, textures for slabs
Goal: Have your mold positives prepared for the plaster pour by next class.
Week 2, May 10th
Demo: How to calculate plaster volume and water ratio, how to mix and pour plaster, safety and proper clean-up.
Goal: Pour at least one plaster part by next class.
Demo: How to prepare for the second pour. How to clean and dry your molds. Work day.
Goal: Have mold parts cleaned and dried to be used for the next class.
Week 4, May 24th
Week 3, May 17th
Last class; please bring a dish to share for a potluck!
Demo: How to press clay into your molds.
The rest of class will be dedicated towards helping students finish their molds and projects.
Your shelf must be cleared off by Sunday, May 31st.