Things You'll Need:
- Caulking compound
- 1 lb. of putty or children's modeling clay
- Plaster of Paris
- Boards
- Wire
- Hardware cloth
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Step 1
First you will need about one pound of putty. Roll the putty out on a board to about a six-inch square. The surface of the square should be smooth.
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Step 2
Take baby's hand or foot, whatever print you are preserving, and moisten with water. Press baby's footprint or handprint gently yet firmly into the flat putty square. Do not be hasty during this stage--use steady pressure, not pressing too deeply.
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Step 3
Remove baby's hand or foot slowly from the mold. Assure that the putty does not stick to baby's skin. If the print is not satisfactory, simply roll out the putty so it is once again smooth and make another impression
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Step 4
Next, make a square frame from four pieces of 1/4" x 1 1/2" x 6" plywood. Force or push the frame over the putty. This will hold the putty and later the plaster of Paris in place.
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Step 5
Cut a piece of 1/4 inch mesh hardware cloth into a 5-inch square. Twist a loop of thin copper wire into the mesh about an inch away from one corner. This wire will be what you use to hang the completed plaque.
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Step 6
Mix plaster of Paris with water. Stir the mixture until it is smooth.
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Step 7
Next grease the mold so that the casting will not stick to your mold and pour the plaster into the mold.
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Step 8
Press the hardware cloth completely into the plaster. The wire loop should be at the upper corner of your plaque.
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Step 9
Smooth out the plaster and allow it to set for approximately eight hours or overnight.
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Step 10
After the plaster has set, pull the frame apart that you created in Step Four. Remove the casting from the mold.
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Step 11
Permit the plaster to cure for several days then sand all sharp edges.
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Step 12
Seal the plaster with one coat of shellac. Allow the sealant to dry.
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Step 13
Paint the print using a colored enamel or a metallic finish. Allow to dry.
