BODY PARTS™ChildCast™ Kit: Step-By-Step Project Example:

NOTE: The photographs here are of the larger Original LifeCast™ kit. The steps are identical for the ChildCast™ kit except smaller. The written text is correct for this small kit.

Step 1: Making an ArtForm™ Mold:

Preparation: Cut the hook tape into 4 or 6 pieces and firmly attach them to the inside of the clear can on all sides as shown.

•, Wipe any dust from the inside of the can first so they stick well. The loop tape may also be used for extra firm support.

•, If needed to prevent leaks wrap the bottom of can with cellophane tape. The water will not be in the matrix for long so this is usually not needed.

THE DESIGN: Discuss and decide with your models how they will be positioned.

•, Make sure your design will fit in the clear ChildCast™ matrix without touching the sides or bottom.

•, Make sure there will be no air traps. Our see-through can makes this easy.

1a: Position 1 or 2 hands in the can with the fingers fairly straight.

•, Pour in cool water (65 degrees F) to cover the hand & some wrist (3-4 cups).

•, Less water makes a thicker ArtForm™ mold mixture.

•, Leave 1 inch of the can empty if you want a cast base.

1b: Remove the hand(s) and let them stay wet to minimize bubbles.

•, Fluff the ArtForm™ into a loose powder by making a balloon with the bag and shaking.

•, Check for holes. Mend with clear tape if needed.

•, Pour the water from the can into the bag with the powder.

1c. Check your watch. You have 2 minutes to complete the next 3 steps.

•, Pinch the top shut and rotate the bag just to moisten the powder.

•, Place the bag on a flat surface. 'Burp' out the air as shown.

Without letting more air in pinch the bag closed about 1 inch from the end and lay it on its side as shown. Mash and scrub the lumps to make a smooth 'mud' (a few lumps are OK).

•, Blend like this until smooth but not longer than 2 minutes.

Put top of bag into the can. Squeeze out all the ArtForm™ like you would a toothpaste tube.

•, If it spills or overflows keep going with the project. The material is harmless to anything not damaged by water alone.

•, Let the ArtForm™ set firm and rubbery and it will be easier to clean up later. You should not let it completely dry out (1-2 days) before removing it from fabrics.

1d: Return the hands into the liquid in the same position as before.

•, Grip any held objects firmly

•, Models should move around in the liquid for about 30 seconds to dislodge any air bubbles clnging to the skin.

•, Keep the wrist(s) near the center.

1e: Have model's touch the bottom then pull up very slightly.

•, Assume the pose and hold fairly still. Skin should not now be touching the can.

•, Look around the can to make sure that no skin is touching the sides.

•, ArtForm™ will thicken gradually making it difficult to move in about 1-2 minutes.

1f: Wait until you can push firmly on the top of the mold without damage it or making an impression.

•, This ratio and temperature requires about 4-6 minutes.

•, Blow air through the straw around the wrist areas to loosen them.

•, Do this carefully so as not to damage the fine details

Ig: Press the straw against the skin and slide it in deeper.

•, Blow firmly around the fingertips.

•, Model can wiggle gently until they feel loose. Slide hands out one at a time if using more than one.

STEP 2: Pouring, Unveiling & Finishing:

2a: Fluff up the bag of ArtCast™ powder. Check for holes and mend if needed. Measure 1.25 cups of water and pour it in the bag with the powder.

•, Quickly break up any lumps.

•, Let it sit and soak for 2 minutes.

•, Actively blend for 1 more minute. It will become difficult to pour if mixed too long.

2b: Flow the liquid ArtCast™ into the mold until about half full.

•, Its best to pour the cement on the flat, top area of the mold then let it run down inside on its own to preserve the fine details.

2c: Set bag aside, upright so it doesn't spill

•, Gently tilt and rotate the mold while tapping it to get the cement into the fingertips & eliminate air traps and bubbles.

•, Set the mold upright and fill the remainder to the top including the base area if you left space for one.

2d: Firmly tap the cylinder all around with your knuckles.

•, Insert any embeds now.

•, Allow at least 1 hour for it to harden. It may be left in the mold for up to a full day if needed.

•, Avoid handling it during this time.

•, It will become hot. When it has cooled you may unveil your LifeCast™

2e: Gently cut open the can to remove the solid cylinder of ArtForm™ with the sculpture inside.

•, It will be slippery so be careful. Set right side up so it is not resting on the fingertips.

2f: Carefully cut into the mold while pulling away from the sculpture.

•, Be careful not to scratch the surface of the casting.

•, ArtForm™ gets brittle & shrinks slightly so it becomes easy to remove.

2g: Gently rinse any residue from your sculpture. ArtCast™ must be completely dry before you finish it.

•, The ArtForm™ shrinks in time so any very tight areas are easier to pick out if you wait for 15 - 20 minutes.

2h: Inspect the LifeCast™ for any flaws and touch up.

•, Bubbles can be removed with manicure tools.

•, Small holes can be filled with drywall patch paste.

•, Broken pieces should be reattached after the LifeCast™ is dry. See Finishing.

2i: Bake your LifeCast™ for 4 to 6 hours at a low temperature (100 to 130 degrees F) to fully dry.

•, It will also dry if allowed to just sit for few days.

2I: Apply paint or other finish if desired and seal.

•, Use a clear coating made for art (not woodwork).

CONGRATULATIONS!

Cut out and complete the base sticker from the front label and glue it to the bottom to document your sculpture. Then cut and stick the loop tape to the bottom of your LifeCast™.