Spring is almost over here in Israelֽ We have a few more days of fantastic blossom before it all turns to thorns. So here is a perfect craft for spring.
There are many different ways of preserving wildflowers, one would be to make plaster prints. I wanted to share with you this great activity of making botanic prints in plaster, which is essentially making a plaster mold.
Plaster is very effective. It dries quickly and has the advantage of showing small details and textures. Naturally it comes white, but once it is dry, you can paint it. I kept mine white...for now...
I have been making them with my kids and gave them away as Passover gifts. Making them is very easy and very forgiving, that is why it is great for all ages.
Important:
It can be very messy that is why i recommend doing it outside.
You will need:
+Clay
+Plaster of paris
+Leaves, flowers, etc.
+Small triangle hangers
+A bowl you can dispose of
+Rubber gloves if you like
+Something to protect your working surface
How to:
1. Pick out what you want to print first
2. Roll some clay, a little bigger than your object, and build walls of clay around it creating a ‘bath’ like of clay.
3. Make sure there are no holes so later the plaster doesn't leaks.
4. Press a leaf onto the clay
5. gently….pull out leaf
6. Mix plaster of paris with water (follow package instructions)
7. Pour plaster into the bath.
8. When the plaster starts to settle (takes few minutes) place a metal hanger in the plaster.
9. Let the plaster harden a bit (about 20 minutes) before you gently pull out the clay. Make sure you dont let the clay dry.
10. Clean the plaster mold if you like, you may use water very gently. Let it dry for 24-48 hours.
Happy holidays :)
tali
