In this assignment, we had to mold and cast two of our fingers to create wall hooks. The process seemed straightforward based on the in-class tutorial, where we learned how to mix alginate, create molds, and cast with plaster of paris. However, this task proved to be more complex than anticipated.
First Attempt in Class
During the class demo, everything went relatively smoothly. I started by mixing 9 oz of water with 6 oz of alginate, adjusting as necessary until I achieved the right consistency. Once the alginate was prepared, I inserted my finger and held it steady for about 5 minutes, until the mixture solidified enough for me to remove my finger without damaging the mold.
Pouring the Plaster
Next, I mixed the plaster at a 2:1 plaster-to-water ratio and carefully poured it into the mold. To avoid air bubbles, I tapped the mold on the table and rotated it gently. After 20-30 minutes, the plaster set, and I successfully de-molded my cast finger. I was pleased with the result and set it aside to dry overnight.
The Unexpected Setback
The next day, I returned to retrieve my dried cast fingers, but they were gone. I had left them overnight after spray paint, and by the following morning, they had mysteriously disappeared. This meant I had to start the entire process from scratch, using what I learned during the tutorial and the assignment instructions.
Second Attempt: New Challenges
This time, I encountered a new issue. When I created the mold, I had a fresh set of nails that were longer and decorated with gems. While the alginate molded well around my finger, removing it was tricky. The tip of the mold where my nail extended tore slightly, and the space where the gem was embedded left a small cavity in the mold. When I poured the plaster and demolded the new cast, the tip of the plaster nail was uneven, and the gem space was an empty indentation.
Smoothing and Finishing
To fix the imperfections, I sanded the tip of the plaster cast carefully to smooth out the jagged areas.
Once the surface was even, I applied a layer of spray paint for a clean finish. The final result, while not perfect, captured the detail and structure of my finger well enough to complete the assignment.
Cost Breakdown
- Alginate (1 lb): $15
- Plaster (4 lb): $10
- Plastic Cups (pack): $3
- Popsicle Sticks (pack): $2
- Screws (pack): $1
- Spray Paint: $5
- Miscellaneous (e.g., string, tape): $2
- Labor Time (4 hours @ $15/hour): $60
Total Estimated Cost: $98
Lessons Learned
This project taught me valuable lessons about the importance of patience, precision, and adapting to unexpected challenges. From losing my original casts to working around nail decorations, the experience was a reminder of how real-world crafting requires flexibility and problem-solving skills.
