Page 6
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Measurement
Working Time
Setting Time 1 2
The Matrix
Blending 1 2

Chapter 2: The Facts of Life(Casting)
Materials Preparation Techniques.

Blending Methods:
Blending Methods are very important in lifecasting. You don't want your model(s) to be uncooperative due to discomfort or fear.
Also you are mixing a liquid (water) with a solid (powder) within a limited working time. Not mixed properly it will be lumpy and full of bubbles. The resulting mold will not do its intended job - duplicating the finest details of the anatomy.
BlendBags™ are specially designed to make preparing the LifeCast™ mediums easy, especially in volumes from 3 to 9 cups. They allow the artist:
1. To have direct contact with the medium, to feel its behavior rather than operating by intellectual abstractions.
2. To minimize air bubbles by creating a practical vacuum chamber for the mixing process.
3. To add large amounts of energy to the fluid system in a short period of time without electro-mechanical aids.
4. To control the fluids in a neat, organized fashion, putting it where you want it, when you want it.
BlendBags™ take a little practice and these illustrations show the correct way to use them. I strongly suggest you empty the powder from one and practice with just water to get the idea of wetting, burping, blending and pouring.

How to use a BlendBag™:
1. Measure the amount of water needed for your design. In a BODY PARTS™ kit the instructions give the step-by-step process. The water is then poured into the BlendBag™ with its premeasured ArtForm™ already inside.
This can also be done several other ways as described in the Alternative & Advanced Techniques book.
3. Mash and blend the materials for the time allowed by your temperature & ratio or until smooth. Per a kit's instructions, using 65 degree (F) water this will be 2.0 minutes.
The ArtForm™ will become smooth and thickened in the bag. A few small lumps won't matter.
2. After quickly getting the powder wet so it doesn't blown back in your face, 'burb' the bag as shown to eliminate as much air as possible. This not only minimizes bubbles but ensures you do not get a balloon effect.
Grip the very top of the bag firmly with one hand.
4. The fluid should be like pancake batter. Pour out the medium then squeeze the remainder form the bag like a toothpaste tube. Making a 'nozzle' with your hand as shown lets you aim the fluid where you want it.
Proceed with the next steps of the project.
NOTE:
If you have used the instructed amount of water and you are sure that both the water and the powder were withing the correct temperature limits and still get a lumpy mixture it is probably your water source.
NOTE:
Many clean looking tap water sources are actually filled with significant amounts of metals such as calcium and magnesium or other contaminants. If you have a water "softener" to compensate for "hard" water it will not necessarily solve the problem. Use bottled or distilled water.
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.
Contact MSW Creative Works by mail, eMail, telephone or fax via the Company Information shown by clicking our logo on any page.
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