Spring reveals all sorts of treasures, hidden under leaves and raccoon droppings. The plaster cast above is one of the treasures we found in our garden, and has managed to remain intact for close to ten years. So now that lovely weather is finally upon us, it won’t take much encouraging to get kids outside exploring and collecting items to make their own impressions of nature. Isn’t that what all those cargo pant pockets are for?
Materials
- Plaster of Paris
- mold eg. aluminum pie plate
- plastic container for mixing plaster
- stirring stick/spoon
- items from nature e.g. sticks, stones. shells, leaves, coral, etc.
Instructions
1. Have children gather a collection of items found in nature. These items will be used to make impressions in the plaster, and some can even be left inside.
2. Select a mold, and prepare enough Plaster of Paris to fill it. Instructions will be on the container, but tends to be two parts plaster to one part water. If you prepare too much plaster, make sure to throw it in the garbage and not down the drain, where it will solidify and make your plumber happy.
3. Allow plaster to set slightly, before carefully laying the items on top. To make impressions, remember to place the textured side of the items face down. For any items you’d like to leave in the plaster eg. pebbles or sea shells, the good side should be face up. We did a combination of both.
Before the plaster dries completely, remove items which will not be remaining permanently. There’s no particular length of time for this, so just keep checking and making sure you can still pry things away without breaking the plaster. Allow to dry completely overnight.
ArtClubBlog 
I love this! Can they be used as paving stones outside? I’m guessing no.
Thank you! You’d probably have to use concrete for paving stones. These do well outside, but are purely decorative.
What a great summertime project for the family! A terrific way to remember summer vacation too.
Just shared it on Facebook.
Thanks for linking to Monday Funday Party!
Hope your week is Extraordinary!!
Why thank you Diane! Hope you also have a fabulous week 🙂
Pure perfection, my crafty friend!
Why thank you 🙂
Is this what cargo pockets are for? 🙂 I love how much fun and educational your project is. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday.
Thank you!
This looks fantastic! I can’t wait to try it out with my kids this summer. Thanks for the post!
Lovely. Hope your kids enjoy making it!
This looks great! I can’t wait to try this out with my kids this summer – thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Plaster of Paris–that is what I was missing on the idea in my head. Needless to say I love it and we will be trying it. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
I’m glad you figured out what was missing! Have fun making it 🙂
Hey there! Thanks for linking up such a cool craft. Stop by again next week and link up another awesome project!
Have a wonderful week!
Susie@bowdabra
http://bowdabrablog.com
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