Turn your clay pot into a metal one with a sculpture mould.
Clay moulds are a common way to prepare a final, finished metal sculpture. Artists often make a sculpture from clay or wax which they then use as a model to create a sturdy bronze, iron or concrete sculpture. Create the item with clay, and then use moulds to copy and pour the metal into to form the final sculpture.
Instructions
1. Cut a 1-inch thick slab of clay and separate it into multiple 1-inch thick bands using a utility knife. Smooth Vaseline onto one side of the sculpture, such as the front or the back. Lay strips of clay onto the Vaseline-covered side to form a retaining wall that protects the covered side from the liquid plaster mould. Sit the clay retaining wall on a flat surface for a few hours to dry.
2. Spread a drop cloth onto the floor to protect it from the liquid plaster. Pour plaster of Paris or other liquid plaster into a bowl. Tap the sides of the bowl to remove bubbles from the liquid plaster. Use a brush to paint the liquid plaster onto the uncovered portion of your clay sculpture. Cover the entire surface and allow the plaster to dry, which may take up to two hours.
3. After the plaster covered-side has dried, remove the retaining wall from the sculpture. Apply Vaseline to the uncovered side of the sculpture and to the exposed plaster. Repeat Step two, brushing liquid plaster onto the remaining sculpture surface. Allow it to dry completely.
4. Split the two sides apart by setting a wooden wedge on top of your sculpture at the spot where the two halves meet. Lightly tap the wedge with a hammer, carefully remove one half of the plaster mould at a time. Once removed, your plaster moulds will be ready to use for your final sculpture.
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