In this project we created an algenate mold of our fingers, then used plaster to cast wall hooks.

I mixed algenate with water in a 1:1 volume ratio and stirred for approximately 5 minutes.  Then I put my fingers inside the algenate and waited for it to harden.  I lost track of time so it solidified completely around my finger, and I had to take extra care not to break the mold taking my finger out.  After the algenate was reasonably dry (~15 min after mixing) I added plaster in a 2:1 plaster:water by weight ratio.  I then used a piece of painters tape on the top of the cup to hold the screws in place while drying.

I has tapped the cup a couple times on the table, but not enough as there are still visible signs of bubbling, especially on the plaster fingernails.  In the future I would take more care to remove bubbling in both the cast and the mold.

Budget: Time: 1 hr->$25

Algenate: $5

Plaster: $5

Total: $35