With this project students will develop a greater understanding of three dimensions, height, width, and depth. The student will understand the relationship between clay, plaster, and handmade paper by completing the steps in the creation of the final product, cast handmade paper.

Grade Levels

Junior High through High School

Time Required

Approximatley 1 Week

Procedure

Step 1: Create 3-D Clay Image

1. Place 2 layers of masking tape on each seam of a small cardboard box. Box should be taped inside and out to prevent plaster from leaking.
2. Cover the inside of the box with a thin layer of clay (½" or less).
3. Build up a 3-D image inside of the box with clay. There should be no undercuts in the clay image. The clay image should be at least 1/2" below the top of the box.

Step 2: Pour Plaster Mold

1. Mix plaster according to directions in a large bucket.
2. Pour plaster quickly over clay image in the box. Plaster should reach top edge of box.
3. Tap box to release air bubbles within the plaster.
4. Plaster will set up in several hours.

Step 3: Clean up Plaster Mold

1. Remove cardboard box and clay from plaster.
2. Use X-Acto knife to remove all bits of clay from plaster. Also, remove any over-hanging edges of plaster.
3. Cover plaster mold with one or two coats of shellac.

Step 4: Paper Pulp

1. Mix paper pulp according to directions.
2. Spray plaster mold with release agent such as WD-40.
3. Press wet paper pulp into plaster mold. Use a sponge to remove as much water as possible.
4. Paper pulp should dry for approximately 48 hours. A fan aids the drying process.

Step 5: Cast Paper

1. Loosen the edges of the paper pulp. Carefully remove the paper pulp from the plaster mold.

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