Do-It-Yourself Paperweights

Add shells and embellishments to Plaster of Paris for custom paperweights.

Paperweights are a fun craft project for adults and for children. Creating custom paperweights is an excellent and easy classroom activity for teachers and students. Create seasonal or holiday paperweights for year-round activities. With Plaster of Paris and recycled items, you can make unique paperweights that are functional as well as beautiful works of art.

Things You'll Need

• Plaster of Paris
• Water
• Measuring cup
• Plastic margarine tub
• Wood paint stirrer
• Styrofoam cup or bowl
• Embellishments
• Paper towels or newspaper
• Clear spray acrylic sealer
• Acrylic paints and paint brushes optional

Instructions

1. Follow the instructions for the Plaster of Paris you're using. Usually Plaster of Paris requires one-part water to two-parts plaster. Pour the powdered plaster into the clean margarine tub and add the water, measured in the measuring cup, to the tub. Because you're using a recycled margarine tub, clean-up will be easy as you can throw away the tub.

2. 

   Paint stirrers are available at home improvement stores.

   Stir the Plaster of Paris and water with a paint stirrer. Get free paint stirrers in the paint departments of discount and home improvement stores. Stir the plaster and water until the mixture is stiff, but similar to cake frosting consistency. The mixture should flow from the tub easily.

3. Put the Styrofoam cup or bowl onto a flat surface. If you want to place decorations such as seashells, souvenirs, or faux gems into your paper weight, place them on the bottom of the cup or bowl. If you're using faux gems, make sure the gem part is facing the bottom of the Styrofoam cup or bowl. The top of the paperweight will form at the bottom of the cup or bowl.

4. 

   Use a foam cup as a mold.

   Pour the Plaster of Paris slowly from the margarine tub into the Styrofoam cup or bowl, filling half the cup or ¼a quarter of the bowl. Tap the side of the Styrofoam cup or bowl with your hand to work out any air bubbles that may have settled into the plaster. Allow the plaster to dry for 24 hours.

5. Break and peel the Styrofoam cup or bowl away from the dried plaster paperweight and discard the cup or bowl pieces.

6. 

   Embellisments will be on top of the paperweight.

   Turn over the paperweight so that you are looking at the top of the weight. You should see any embellishments you added. The paperweight may still be damp on the sides and top. Place the paper weight on a piece of newspaper or paper towel and allow the paper weight to dry overnight.

7. Paint with acrylic paints if desired and allow to dry. Spray with a clear, gloss or matte acrylic sealer after paints have dried or when the paperweight is dry if you choose to leave the plaster white.

Tips & Warnings

• Teachers may wish to have students wear disposable gloves and face masks to avoid ingestion of plaster dust. Wash hands after working with Plaster of Paris as plaster can irritate skin.

References

• Craft Ideas: Using Plaster of Paris to Make Castings
• Enchanted Learning: Plaster of Paris Projects