It is a powder that turns into a gooey mixture when mixed with water. You can mold this smooth, malleable mix into any shape you want. And when you leave that molded lump of plaster to dry for a while, it hardens just like that! What are we talking about? Plaster of Paris! Also referred to as POP, it is one of the most flexible raw materials you and your kids can use to make beautiful artifacts. MomJunction has compiled a list of easy-to-do plaster of Paris crafts for kids. Read, learn, and create!
Tips To Mix Plaster Of Paris
POP is a tricky substance. You need to add just the right amount of water to get the right consistency so that it will stay intact when you mold it. Here are a few tips that you should keep in mind when you mix POP.
Plaster of Paris can become hard sooner than you know. So do not mix it with water unless you are going to use it immediately.
The ideal ratio of POP to water is 2:1 or two portions of POP to one portion of water. Always use a measuring cup to mix. Make the POP fine, without lumps, using a spoon or spatula.
Pour a cup of water in a bowl, wide enough to mix the POP. To that, add the powder. Sprinkle the powder into the bowl – do not pour the powder in one place. Keep adding the powder slowly, while tapping the bowl in between to remove any air bubbles.
Spread it as much as possible in the container. When you see that the powder has almost reached the surface, which is around the 2:1 ratio, it is your cue to stop adding the powder.
Now mix the POP slowly to get a smooth consistency. Vigorous mixing will create air bubbles, which you do not want.
For color, you can add poster paint or acrylic and continue to mix, while ensuring that there are no lumps.
Wait for a minute, but no more, before pouring the mix into the molds.
Sounds like a daunting task, right? Well, it won’t be once you get the hang of it. But do note that plaster of Paris is an extremely fine powder and can quickly disperse into the air as dust. Make sure that you are around to keep the children safe when they work on these crafts with plaster of paris. To stay safe, use a dust mask when mixing it.Free Worksheets and Printables for Kids Select GradePreschoolKindergarten1st Grade2nd Grade3rd Grade4th Grade5th Grade Select SubjectEnglishMathScienceSocial studies Search & Download
Ten Simple Plaster of Paris Crafts
The crafts you choose for your children should be encouraging, not overwhelming. Keeping in mind a child’s levels of patience, cognitive skills, and hand-eye coordination, we have chosen these crafts.
1. Plaster of Paris beads
You can make POP beads alright, but they are going to be big. Here is a fun way to make them. You will need:
Molds of different shapes Plaster of Paris Water Drinking straws Scissors Petroleum jelly Poster paint
How to: Colorful beads are ready.
2. Cupcake candle stand
Need a candle stand? Why not make one then? You will need:
Plaster of Paris Water A candle Sticking tape Cupcake wrappers Cupcake or muffin trays Petroleum jelly
How to: Deck them with beads or anything else you want. Your candle holders are ready for use.
3. POP leaf
When you want to create an impression, using POP is one of the best options. In this tutorial, we tell you how to make leaves using plaster of Paris. You will need:
Leaves of your choice – pick leaves that are neither too small or too big Plaster of Paris Water Water or oil paints Glue Paintbrushes Gunny cloth or burlap
How to:
4. Plaster of Paris ice cubes
Another way to make shapes using plaster of Paris is by using designer ice trays. These trays will allow you to make a larger quantity of POP crafts that can be used as gifts for children or to raise money for charity! You will need:
Plaster of Paris Water Oil paints or acrylic color Drinking straws Petroleum jelly
How to:
5. Sidewalk chalk
Chalk is perhaps the easiest thing you can make using POP. You could add color if you like or just leave it white. You will need:
Plaster of Paris Water Empty toilet roll Wax paper Scissors Acrylic color or oil paint
How to:
6. POP ghosts
Need some more cavalry to scare your guests at Halloween? Try making these POP ghosts. You will need:
Plaster of Paris Water Cheesecloth Black markers Newspaper
How to: Let the ghosts dry a little longer and then place them where you want to spook the guests!
7. ‘POP’sicles
A popsicle made from plaster of Paris will never melt! So, do you want to know how to make it? You will need:
Plaster of Paris Water Ice cream sticks Popsicle molds acrylic or oil colors Bowls
How to:
8. Funny Minions
Minions are funny. But these plaster of Paris molds of Minions are more comical! You will need:
Plaster of Paris Water Oil or acrylic paints Paintbrushes Clay powder Googly eyes
How to: Aren’t these Minions funnier than the real ones?
9. Cup houses
Cup houses are easy-to-make and look like igloos. You will need:
Plaster of Paris Water Paper cups – small Watercolors or acrylic paints
How to: A cute, igloo-like house is ready.
10. Pen stand
Where is that pen when you need it badly? Look in the pen stand! Wait, you don’t have a pen stand? Let’s make one then! You will need:
Plaster of Paris Water A big sized balloon Pens
How to: The four-pen stand is now ready to use!
