I’d like to make a clay cast of the hand imprints from our three kids and myself for my wife for Christmas. Has anyone done this? Any tips? Do I buy a kit or make my own mix? Bare with me with these questions because I have not got any arts & crafts sense in me at all.
Thanks in advance.
I think you want to use Plaster of paris or something like that. I remember I did this in kindergarden? A long time ago anyways. Pretty easy stuff, just mix it with water, do your thing and let it harden. Should be able to find this stuff at a craft shop or even talk to some teachers to see if they can get you started.
I’ve never done it, but I am pretty sure there are kits designed for that purpose. I have framed them for other people though, and it is something that you may think about doing to better display the imprints and ensuring it doesn’t get broken in storage over the years.
I’ve never done it, but I am pretty sure there are kits designed for that purpose. I have framed them for other people though, and it is something that you may think about doing to better display the imprints and ensuring it doesn’t get broken in storage over the years.
Any advice on how to frame?
Thanks
There have to be kits at hobby or craft stores.
http://www.aplaceforbaby.com/ssl/accessories/Clay%20and%20photo%20Hand-Foot%20Kits.htm
Maybe if you do them all together you could put it in a nice frame to hang.
On a funnier note they have an adult version of this except not plaster.
I have lots of framing ideas, but then again designing custom frames is what I do all day. If you take it to a custom frame shop in your town I’m sure they would be able to show you a few different ideas. I would stick with a fairly neutral (but bold) mat for the backround as well as a classic or neutral frame. It is something you might have for decades and if you pick a design based on the current color or decor of your room it may not hold up well when you redecorate or move.
One thing you may want to do when you have the molds framed is to include a picture of each person to go next to their cast. Or include some memorabilia. You are getting a deep frame anyway to accomodate the plaster so you have lots of chances to get creative with what is included with the framed project.
I’ve framed for other triathletes or marathoners their race pictures, race numbers, finishers medals, finishers t shirts, swim goggles, swim caps, socks, bike jerseys - even a shoe in a frame!
But more than anything I would keep it simple.
Great ideas! Thanks very much. I should have started this a few weeks ago 
A really good shop can get it done for you in 24 or at the most 48 hours. I took 4 new orders this morning that are Christmas presents. So you may have hope yet.
Is it fairly easy for me to frame it myself if I buy a deep frame? I ask because if I pick out a frame that my wife dislikes, at least we could exchange it.
Well, keep in mind that I own a custom framing busines, so my advice is far from being unbiased. 
Some things you give up when you buy a premade frame are custom sizing, selection, style and quality. Some of these factors may be of varying importance to you, and you may be very happy with a premade frame. With what you are framing (a plaster cast) the sizing may be a challenge. It is likely that if you find a frame that is as deep as you need it to be to mount the casts without the glass touching the front of it, as well as as being wide and tall enough (again, I’m not sure what dimensions you are looking at), the border will probably be uneven. Again, for some people having the object you are framing off center is not a big deal. For others having say an equal 3 inch (or whatever) border on all four sides is a deciding factor.
From my experience, 90% of premade shadowbox frames are black. Not necesarrily a problem, but there are SO many more choices of color and texture in a frame that can enhance the artwork that is being displayed. The same rap aplies to the mats. Virtually every mat I’ve seen in premade frames are white or black. I recently framed some stone and metal crucifixes for a church mounted on a grey suede mat and the added richness helped make the project really stand out. Some of the childrens hand casts that I’ve framed before we’ve ended up using a navy blue or palm green colored mat that compliments the white plaster very well.
I didn’t mean to go on and on. If you do decide to frame it yourself, make sure the back of the frame is stiff enough to support the weight of your casts, and possibly use adhesive velcro to secure the casts to the back of the frame.
Feel free to PM if you get stuck in the middle of something and have a question.
I made a LOT of clay/plaster casts in college for both ceramics and glass casting courses… more than i care to think about.
You don’t want clay - you want plaster. Generally, you have to fire most clays in a kiln for them to properly harden. Unfired dry clay will fall apart. Plaster hardens fast and solidly when mixed properly.
I’d recommend getting the kit from your local craft store. I used to mix my own plaster from scratch, which is a pain and is really bad for your lungs so you have to wear a ventilator… Really, just do the kit… it comes with everything and is designed to be used by kids.