How to make a plaster cast of a hand

This project is inspired by Bruce Nauman. Make your hands expressive! Show action and movement. For example, make a claw, pretend to throw a ball, make a fist. Be creative! Work together!

Spread newspaper and place cup of water and plaster on top.

Make sure plaster strips are cut into long rectangles.

Ask your partner to spread fingers wide and place hand flat onto newspaper. Be sure sleeve is rolled up.

Dip the plaster strips gently in water. Only a little water is needed.

Wrap the damp plaster strip over the hand and gently rub in plaster to smooth out the strip. You will smooth out the tiny holes in the strip.

Continue you this until you have two layers of plaster over the hand and wrist. Be sure to smooth out the plaster strips and get in between the fingers.

After you have 2 layers of plaster, let the hand model stand still for about 5 minutes to dry. Do not touch.

Gently pull off and wiggle your hand out of the cast.

You now have a plaster cast of the top of your hand. Let them dry until Art class. We will paint them in class.Clean up your mess!

This project is inspired by Bruce Nauman. Make your hands expressive! Show action and movement. For example, make a claw, pretend to throw a ball, make a fist. Be creative!