How to Make Plaster of Paris Plaques

You can use plaster of Paris to create a wide variety of different craft projects. Plaques made from plaster of Paris can show hand and foot prints, be gifts or awards or just serve as an artistic addition to a table top or wall.

Things You'll Need

• Plaster of Paris
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Food coloring (optional)
• Small square baking pan or mold
• Non-stick spray
• Towel

Instructions

1. Mix the plaster of Paris in a bowl and add water per the manufacturer's instructions. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the consistency of pancake batter. If you wish for your plaque to be a color other than white, add food coloring.

2. Spray the pan or mold you will be using with a non-stick cooking spray. This will keep the plaster from sticking to the mold as it hardens.

3. Pour the plaster of Paris into the baking pan or mold 1/4 inch thick.

4. Allow the pan to sit to dry and harden. Some plasters only take 20 minutes to dry and others take a couple of hours.

5. Add embellishments to your plaque just before the plaster has completely dried if desired. For example if you have used a 20 minute drying plaster, then you would add embellishments when the plaster has dried for 15 minutes. Embellishments can be stamping the plaster with a hand or foot or using marbles or rocks to decorate it. If you notice water seeping through the impressions, wait another two minutes before trying again.

6. Remove the plaque from the baking dish or mold after it has completely dried. Lay a folded towel on a flat surface to catch the plaque coming out of the mold and keep it from breaking.

References

• Plaster: Plaster Mixing Procedures
• Free Craft Instructions: Make Plaster Castings