I would like to try this with my HS students. I only have 40 minute class period. Do you think that would be enough time for step one? Plaster set up quicker than cement? I have 1 class I’m thinking of that only has 10 students.
Hi Terry Do you use a special kind of balloon? I have tried altering the shape with "thick" wire, and the balloon pops if I tighten the wire too hard. -Anne
Hi Anne. The best ones are those big "punching balloons". They're at least twice as large as the 12" helium balloons and have an elastic band attached at one end so a kid can bounce it against her fist. Wire might not be a good choice for binding because it will pierce the balloon or pinch it. The balloon will burst in either case. I find that supple rope and large "speed clamps" or "c-clamps" work best for binding because the chances of pinching or piercing the balloon are minimal. You do, however, have to be mindful that you don't twist the balloon (where the moveable jaw touches the balloon) when you turn the clamp tight because that will break the balloon also.
Hey, Elizabeth 😀 Here in Calgary, Alberta I buy my plaster from Ceramics Canada, a pottery supply store where ceramists go to buy clay. It comes in 50lb bags and costs about $40. The best place to take sculpture classes around here is in the Art Department at the University of Calgary, which is where I teach 😃
@@terryreynoldson6698 is this clay or plaster? Or is it a clay plaster that I may not know of. I am in Missouri, USA. I was thinking to look at lowes or other store. I really want to try this with my HS students.
@@elizabethwallsmith954It is pottery plaster, made specifically for casting and mould making, so it is a bit finer than the plaster of Paris that's sold at Lowe's or Home Depot. In a pinch, any plaster of Paris would work for this project 😀
try using hot glue to glue the caps or whatever you are trying, to the clamps first. it looks like a bitch trying to hold the 2 caps, the clamp and position it while tightening the clamp and whatnot.
