Page 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Introduction
Infants
LifeMask™ 1 2
FastMask™ 1 2
Non-Human
Arts & Crafts
Large Work 1 2
Miscellany

Chapter 5: Advanced Techniques
Precision Lifecasting & Other Approaches

Working With Infants:
Infants, of course have no clue about anything (poetic license to the contrary), not even how to control their own bodies. In LifeCasting™ they are not able to help the artist. Indeed they can be more difficult than even inanimate objects which, at least cooperate by total apathy. Infants must be tricked into modeling for us.
Luckily, they are tiny and sleep alot. Which means we can make several attempts to duplicate their bodies without using large amounts of time or materials. And, with this technique the problems are mostly eliminated. I have done marvelous LifeCasts™ of them as young as 3 days!
First, they must be sound asleep. Exceptions do exist but, they are few and far between. As a father of three I find the best time is a little while after they have been fed and put down for the night. The whole process should be done calmly, quietly and in dim light to avoid waking them. Of course if your little one is jittery for some reason, (has colic, illness, diaper rash, etc.) you may just have to wait for another day.
See the ChildCast™ kit instructions for a non-precision method with a BODY PARTS™ kit materials.
This example uses a hand and the Earthium™(f/x) Precision Ratio #2 at body temperature. (100 degF) to avoid waking them (ie; Water = 3 parts, Part A = 1 part, Part B = 0.75 parts). Work Time = 30 Seconds / Set Time = 30 Seconds
1.) Get three small paper or foam cups large enough to contain the hand
2.) In one cup mix the Part A with 110º (F) water until completely smooth. The reason we use such warm water is that adding the powder and mixing will take some time and cool it down to about body temperature by the time you are ready to use it.
3.) In another cup mix Part B with an equal amount of the same temperature water (110ºF). Have both cups ready to mix together near the infant.
4.) The third cup should have just warm water in it. This is used as a test, to get the skin wet and to desensitize the child if necessary.
5.) Gently dunk the hand into the water repeatedly until the baby stops reacting and can leave it there for a few seconds.
6.) Mix the fluids together quickly. This is easy with such small amounts but, make sure to scrape the sides of the cup as you do it to ensure a complete blend.
7.) Dunk the the hand in. Gently rotate the cup back & forth and up & down to coat the skin. It will begin to set very fast.
8.) When firm enough to press on the surface without damaging the mold or having any stick to your finger, wiggle the hand out. Baby's don't have any real bones yet so blowing with the straw (see Suction in LifeCast™ Basics) may not be necessary unless the mold is fairly deep (a few inches above the wrist). Set the mold aside.
9.) Check the hand for any little bits of mold and remove. While it is completely harmless to eat, we don't want them to choke on any chunks as they sleep.
10.) Pour the casting immediately (see LifeCast™ Basics).
Copyright © 1987 through 2003 by MSWinn. Thank you for visiting www.lifecast.net!
ToP
1/18/03

LifeCast™ & MSW Creative Works Legal Information:

Contents of this web site (lifecast.net) and all life cast materials and other art and sculpture products or lifecast kit packaging, art techniques and sculpture instructions copyright © 1986-2002 by Mark S. Winn. All rights reserved. The terms BODY PARTS™, LifeCast™, ChildCast™, StudioPack™, ArtForm™, ArtCast™, Earthium™, Earthium(f/x)™, ShrinKast™, PolyART™, WaterTrap™, BlendBag™, Successful Creativity Guarantee™, LifeMask™, FastMask™ as well as the phrase "Make YourSelf Immortal!™" and any other art materials product or craft item denoted by a small 'TM' (such as in LifeCast™) are trademarks. The phrases life cast and life casting or the words lifecast and lifecasting are generic.
Our LifeCast™ products or other sculpture, mold making and art materials products are are entirely safe within the context of arts & crafts when used as directed. Other arts & crafts materials shown here each carry their own warnings and degrees of safety. They are available for use as creative mediums AT YOUR OWN RISK and since we cannot control the actual use of these art products, we disclaim any responsibility for damage or injury caused by incorrect or experimental life cast, sculpture, life mask, erotic art or other mold making or creative applications.
NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN: These arts & crafts materials may be used with children of any age but should never be used by an unsupervised child. A "child" is defined by law as anyone under the age of 18 years. Our art, lifecast or sculpture product prohibitions against unsupervised use by children therefore applies to all persons under that age. "Supervised" by definition means at all times, through each step of any use of our life cast or other art materials. Such supervision must be by an adult over the age of 18 years while using the BODY PARTS™ LifeCast™ kits or other life cast, sculpture and art materials.
Our life cast, sculpture and other art materials should never be used by anyone who cannot read, understand and apply the language in which the lifecast, sculpture or art materials' instructions appear. The terms of said language are exclusively defined in any standard, widely accepted and comprehensive dictionary of that language and are meant to be construed in no other manner.
Purchase and/or use of our life cast, sculpture or other art materials implies your understanding and acceptance of these reasonable terms. If you do not agree, for any reason, please do not purchase or use our lifecast, sculpture, mold making or other arts & crafts products.
The information contained in this document is given in good faith based on our current knowledge. It is only an indication and is in no way binding, particularly as regards infringement d or prejudice to third party rights through the use of our products. MSW GUARANTEES THAT ITS PRODUCTS COMPLY WITH ITS SALES SPECIFICATIONS. This information must on no account be used as a substitute for necessary prior tests which alone can ensure that a product is suitable for a given use. Users are responsible for ensuing compliance with local legislations and for obtaining the necessary certifications and authorizations. Users are requested to check that they are in possession of the latest version of this document.
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