How to Build Your Own Dinosaur Out of Plaster Material

You can build a dinosaur using a simple plaster mixture.

Plaster is used for many arts-and-crafts projects, and it can be used to make a 3-D version of a dinosaur. This project is perfect for children and their families. A helpful tool in building a dinosaur is using a plastic model to get the most accurate features. You can decide which dinosaur you want to create and its size. With a few supplies, you can build your very own dinosaur to put on display.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic dinosaur model
• Molding clay
• Plaster
• Plastic containers
• Resin

Instructions

1. Purchase a plastic dinosaur model online or from a specialty shop. Use the plastic model as the basis for the plaster dinosaur. You can use any size plastic model you desire. This option is great for beginners and children.

2. Insert molding clay into two plastic containers, so you can easily place the plastic model inside. Use one container for one side of the dinosaur model and the second container for the other side. Purchase molding clay from the arts-and-crafts store. Make sure the plastic containers are not ones you plan to use again.

3. Place the plastic dinosaur model into the molding clay. Apply Vaseline, as First Pallette suggests, to the models so they will be easy to manage in the clay. Apply pressure to the plastic model, so it makes an indentation in the molding clay.

4. Peel the plastic model off of the molding clay. There should be the indentation of one side of the plastic model.

5. Repeat step 3 by placing the other side of the plastic model into the second container of molding clay. Apply pressure to the second side, and peel the model off. You should have a second indentation within the second container.

6. Mix the plaster powder with fresh water. The amount of water you use for the mixture depends on the depth of the dinosaur model indentations. According to Ceramic Arts Daily, estimate the volume of what you are filling, and make sure the water is room temperature. Pour the plaster powder into the water, and stir together. The mixture should be thick but easy to manage.

7. Pour the plaster mixture into the indentations in both containers. Allow 45 minutes for the plaster to dry. Achieve the best results if you leave the plaster to set overnight, according to First Palette.

8. Pry the plaster dinosaur parts carefully from the molding clay. Connect both parts by applying a thin coat of resin to each side. Allow the resin to dry overnight. You can also use hot glue if resin is unavailable.

9. Paint the plaster dinosaur any color you desire.

References

• First Palette: Plaster of Paris Dinosaur Figurines
• Hobby Linc: Plastic Model Dinosaurs
• Ceramic Arts Daily: Plaster Mixing 101

Resources

• Studio Creations: Plaster Mold Making
• Visual Manna: Making a Dinosaur