plaster/ceramic molds

[gem...@sdrc.com]

Hi all,
I went to a craft show last summer and found some karate figure
Christmas ornaments. I was under the impression from what the lady said that
they were plaster rather than ceramic that had to be "fired". Plaster just dries
in the mold in 1/2 a day or so?? I'm not real sure about this plaster stuff
but I know she said it didn't have to be "fired" like ceramics and I'm
assuming this means you don't have to clean it to make it smooth.
I have called all the local craft dealers in this area
(Northern KY/Cincinnati) and only one dealer had molds but doesn't carry them
any longer. Does anyone know where I can get these molds and the plaster for
them?? More specifically a karate figure mold.

Thanks in advance for your help,

--
-----------------------
Mary.Br...@sdrc.com
Structural Dynamics Research Corporation
2000 Eastman Drive
Milford, OH 45150-2789

[P.J. Evans]

In article <67...@heimdall.sdrc.com>, gem...@SDRC.COM wrote:

>
>
> Hi all,
> I went to a craft show last summer and found some karate figure
> Christmas ornaments. I was under the impression from what the lady said that
> they were plaster rather than ceramic that had to be "fired". Plaster just dries
> in the mold in 1/2 a day or so?? I'm not real sure about this plaster stuff
> but I know she said it didn't have to be "fired" like ceramics and I'm
> assuming this means you don't have to clean it to make it smooth.
> I have called all the local craft dealers in this area
> (Northern KY/Cincinnati) and only one dealer had molds but doesn't carry them
> any longer. Does anyone know where I can get these molds and the plaster for
> them?? More specifically a karate figure mold.
>
> Thanks in advance for your help,

The plaster I have used in moulds was just regular plaster of paris that
can
be purchased at almost any large craft store, or hardware store. Plaster
figures do need a little "cleaning", scrapping off the mould lines and
rubbing out bumps, just as ceramics do, but they are much less fragile.
Unlike ceramics, they do not have to be fired (cooked at high temps), but
can be painted soon after removing them from the mould. Plaster dries
fairly quickly.

I have not had to purchase moulds for myself, as I have a friend who
inherited several, however, I would suggest that you contact your local
elementary or highschool art instructor. I know that they get some
incredible catalogs, and I seem to remember seeing moulds in at least one.

Good Luck

P.J. Evans GEnie S.EVANS14
pa...@jack-vance.mit.edu #5366 +==)++Vixen++>