BODY PARTS™ Educational StudioPak™: Step-By-Step Project Example:
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MATERIALS NEEDED:
 1. Water Volume: The matrix is the 5" X 8.5" clear cylinder used in our Original LifeCast™ Kit. For this example it required 7 cups (56 oz.) of water.
- 2. ArtFORM™: 3.5 cups powder = 10.5 oz.
- 3. ArtCAST™: 6 cups powder = 48 oz.
- 4. 2 BlendBags: 1 for each powder
- 5. 6 - 1" Hook Strips: Adhere to inside of cylinder as shown
- 6. Plastic sheet or newspapers to work over
- 7. A small kitchen knife
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 THE FINISHED PROJECT:
- This is the final result of this project example. It was painted with acrylics in a flesh tone then antiqued (see Finishing Techniques).
- •, The cloth or loop side of the enclosed hook & loop adhesive strips are applied to the bottom to prevent furniture scratches
- •, The base applique is completed to document the artist's and model's creativity for posterity.
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- STEP 1: Design, Positioning & Molding
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- THE DESIGN: Discuss and decide with your models how they will be positioned. This determines:
- 1. The position determines what kind of matrix you need or visa versa.
- 2. The matrix, in turn determines how much water and other materials you must use.
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- STEP 1a: Arrange hands in the can lightly touching the bottom at this point to get an accurate measure of the water needed.
- •, Attach pieces of hook & loop to prevent "Slip & Slide"
- •, The skin should not touch the sides at all. Held Objects may touch the can.
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- STEP 1b: Fill the can with 65-70 degree (F) water. Be sure it is from a clean, soft water source or use a bottled type.
- •, Leave 2 inches of the can empty at the top if you want a Cast Base.
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- STEP 1c: See "Using a BlendBag™" before continuing then
- •, Pour the water in a BlendBag™ and prepare the ArtForm™.
- •, Hands should remain damp from the measurement in the previous step. This helps minimize Skin Bubbles.
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- STEP 1d: At this temperature and ratio you have 2 minutes to blend the ArtForm™ with the water.
- •, It will become thick and smooth like pancake batter
- •, A few small lumps are alrigh
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- STEP 1e: 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.
- •, Let the ArtForm™ set and it will be easier to clean up later
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- STEP 1f: 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.
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- STEP 1g: 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.
- •, ArtFORM™ will thicken gradually making it difficult to move. In 2 minutes the ArtForm™ will hold the hands in position.
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- STEP 1h: Wait until you can push firmly on the top of the mold without damage.
- •, 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
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- STEP Ii: 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.
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- STEP 2: Pouring, Unveiling & Finishing:
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- STEP 2a: Measure the correct amount of water and pour it in. In tyhis case it was 2.25 cups (18 ounces).
- •, Quickly break up any lumps.
- •, Let it sit and soak for 2 minutes.
- •, Blend for 2 more minutes. It will become difficult to pour if mixed too long
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- STEP 2b: Flow ArtCast™ into mold until about half full.
- •, Its best to pour the cement on the flat, top area of the mold then run down inside on its own to preserve the fine details
- •, Follow the correct "Tilt, Rotate & Jiggle" gravity casting procedure.
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- STEP 2c: Firmly tap the cylinder all around with your knuckles.
- •, A Pedestal Base is made by filling to the top of the can. Insert any embeds now.
- •, Allow 1 hour or more for it to harden.
- •, Avoid handling it during this time
- •, Rinse out the BlendBag™ for reuse.
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- STEP 2d: The cement will grow hot. When cool you may continue.
- •, 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.
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- STEP 2e: 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.
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- STEP 2f: Gently rinse any residue from your sculpture. ArtCast™ must be completely dry before you finish it.
- •, Bake it at 100 to 130 degrees for 6 hours or let it sit in a well ventilated area for 2 to 3 days.
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- STEP 2g: Inspect the LifeCast™ for any flaws and touch up.
- •, You may pop off any little Skin or Mold Bubbles you see at this time.
- •, Fill in and surface any little Cast Bubbles there are.
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STEP 2h: CONGRATULATIONS!
Refer to Finishing Techniques in the LifeCast™ Library for ideas about what to do next.
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