How to Make Hand Molds
- 1). Mix the plaster of Paris according to the package directions. The mixture will seem a little watery at first. After 5 minutes, it will thicken to the consistency of pancake mix. Let it sit while preparing the frame for the mold.
- 2). Cut a strip out of cardboard that's about 3 inches wide and 24 inches long. Fold the strip into a square; each side should be 6 inches long. Tape the loose ends together. Set this frame on top of a piece of foil. Tape the frame to the foil by putting duct tape around the bottom edges of the cardboard frame, adhering it to the foil.
- 3). Stir your plaster of Paris; pour it into the frame. Using an old spoon or knife, spread out the mixture so the top is smooth. Place the hand, palm-down, into the top of the mixture and press down firmly so the hand indents about 1 inch into the mixture. Hold this for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove the hand carefully. If the mixture doesn't hold the handprint, smooth it out and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then take the hand impression again. Let the hand mold sit overnight to dry completely.
- 4). Remove the cardboard frame once the mixture has dried. If desired, paint the hand mold. Write the name of the person whose hand is imprinted and the date after the paint has dried for several hours.
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