Make your own chalkware holiday decorations.
Chalkware figurines and ornaments were originally made in the late 18th century, from sculpted gypsum and painted with watercolors. With the wide variety of confectionary molds on the market today and the availability of Plaster of Paris mix that you just add water to, it is easy to make your own professional quality chalkware statuettes. Mold and paint your own chalkware figurines and ornaments from whimsical polka dots cats to heirloom quality holiday decorations.
Instructions
1. Protect your work area with newspaper.
2. Mix one part cold water to one and a half parts plaster in a disposable container. Pour the plaster into the water slowly and stir until smooth.
3. Run the mold under cold water and shake any excess water out Do not dry the mold. Wetting the mold prior to pouring in the plaster will make it easier to pop the dry chalkware from the mold when it's dry.
4. Pour the plaster of Paris into the mold slowly to avoid air bubbles and let it dry for 20 to 30 minutes. Drying time will depend on the temperature and humidity.
5. Pop the chalkware figurine or ornament out of the mold once it is completely set. Let the chalk ware piece dry at least 24 hours before painting.
6. Use the knife to scrape any mold lines off the chalk ware piece and smooth with the sandpaper. Be sure not to buff out any of the fine details while cleaning up the piece.
7. Remove any chalk dust that was made when you sanded the piece by wiping with a dry cloth or blowing off the dust.
8. Paint your chalkware item however you like.
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