With this project, I was introduced to molding and casting. I really enjoyed this project because I was given the opportunity to be artistic with my piece and there was less room for error with this project.

Molding Using Alginate

I molded my first finger during class when the process was demonstrated. I mixed alginate and water in 1:4 ratio using a scale. I poured 41 grams of alginate after taring the scale with the mixing cup and then added water until the total mass was 164 grams after taring again. After I inserted my pointer finger in a slightly curved orientation for a few minutes until the alginate began to solidify at a point in which I could pull out my finger. The alginate after pulling out the finger is pictured below.

Casting Using Plaster of Paris

After allowing time for the alginate to dry, I made a mix of plaster using 1:2 ratio of water to Plaster of Paris. This was approximated and adjusted to allow the mixture to resemble the texture of glue. After, I poured the mix into the mold. Then, I inserted a screw into the plaster mix such that the head was sufficiently under the surface. I stabbed the end of the screw into the tape and secured the screw using the walls of the mixing cup to ensure it would stay in place as the plaster dried. Finally, I allowed the plaster to dry overnight and removed the finger after. To remove the finger, I squeezed the edges of the mixing cup and attempted to break the alginate around the finger to avoid damaging the cast. The casted finger is pictured below.

Spray Painting & Finishing

On the next day, I spray painted both fingers using black satin spray paint. I then waited for that to dry for about an hour and sprayed a matte finish. The final product is pictured below.

Cost Analysis

• Alginate = $2
• Plaster of paris = $2
• One can of black spray paint and matte spray paint = $10
• 1 hour of labor ($20/hour) = $20
• 2 screws < $1

Communal supplies such as the mixing cup, tape, and scale were not included.

Total Cost: $32