3D identity Moulding my ideas 20th November

Moulding my ideas   20th November

The first part of the lesson was devoted to explaining what we need to do for our design sheets, as well as looking at some examples. This was very helpful as there are so many different styles and ways to make a design sheet. We were also showed how to stretch paper over a board by taping the paper to the board and lightly wetting it.

After the talk I did a bit of research and had a talk with the tutor about my ideas; where I was going, and what I wanted to do. With some good feedback, I started thinking about how I will make my jewellery. I also had some different areas to research.

I was ready to start testing out some glass, but before I could I had to make a cast for my glass to sit on when it's in the kiln. Taking a plastic manikin, I took my pencil and lightly marked out how big I wanted the cast to be. I then took some clay and made a barrier around the marked area so I could pour the plaster in to make the mould. I made sure there were no holes and that the walls of clay were tall and strong enough to hold it all in place while it sets. This was time consuming, but once done I could them make more moulds from this one with a lot less effort. Having made the walls, and around the manikin's shoulders and neck, I was ready to make some plaster. I took a bowl with cold water and carefully poured in the plaster until it was about the same quantity of water. It was easy to see when you get the right amount because the plaster stops dissolving in the water. With the right amount of plaster and water, I then had to carefully combine the two together to make a smooth mixture being careful not to add any air into the plaster as this would make it unstable when it hardens. After making sure it was properly combined, it was time to pour it onto the mould making sure it was evenly distributed. With the first batch done I then had to make two more bowls of plaster before I could leave it to set for the night. Luckily I had just the right amount of time to get it all done before the end of the day.

With the plaster setting I can hopefully get another mould done tomorrow.