Casting the hands of babies and toddlers is adorable, but working with older kids brings a whole new level of fun (and sometimes, a bit of mischief!). My niece, Evie, a master of cheeky grins and quick wit, recently agreed to have her hand cast. Of course, we decided to do this just as we were getting ready to go out to dinner. Talk about pressure!
We were on a tight schedule, so the casting session had to be quick. Evie, ever the performer, was thrilled with the idea. She chose her pose with great deliberation, a mysterious glint in her eye. The entire process, from mixing the alginate to setting her hand, was a blur of laughter and hurried instructions. And then came the teasing. Oh, the teasing! Evie absolutely refused to give any hints about what pose she'd chosen. "You'll just have to wait and see!" she declared, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. And then, with a perfectly timed pause, she added, "It might be…rude."
Cue the collective gasp. Okay, maybe not a gasp, but definitely some raised eyebrows and nervous laughter. Evie, the little rascal, was clearly enjoying the suspense. We all knew she had a wicked sense of humour, and the thought that she might have immortalized a less-than-polite gesture in plaster was…well, let's just say it made the de-moulding process a tad more nerve-wracking.
This brings me to a very important tip when casting with older kids (or anyone, really): It's incredibly helpful to know the placement of the fingers before you try to remove the alginate mould (de-mould). This will help you avoid any accidental snaps or breaks. With Evie's teasing and our suspicions, we were all a little on edge. Every rustle of the alginate, every slight movement, was met with a worried glance.
And here's another tip, one that's crucial for getting a good cast, especially with intricate poses: Knowing the finger placement is just as important when you're pouring the stone. This knowledge allows you to strategically rotate the mould while pouring, ensuring the stone reaches every little crevice, especially those tricky fingertips. Don't be afraid to get your hands (or even the child's, if they're willing!) dirty! You can gently push the plaster mixture into the fingertips using your own fingers or a small tool. This helps to eliminate air bubbles and ensures a complete and detailed cast.
Turns out, our worries were for nothing (thank goodness!). Evie, the little comedian, had chosen a "fist ready for battle" pose. Of course, she immediately had to test its effectiveness. She ran over to the wall and, with a dramatic yell, headbutted it with her plaster fist. The result? "Ouch! Plaster hurts!" Well, Evie, lesson learned. Plaster fists are great for casting, not so much for wall-bashing.
Casting Evie's hand was a whirlwind of fun, laughter, a touch of anxiety, and a whole lot of teasing. It just goes to show that even with older kids, hand casting can be a memorable and hilarious experience. Just be prepared for some cheeky surprises, and always, always, know the finger placement – both for de-moulding and for pouring! And maybe schedule it for a time that's not right before you're supposed to leave for dinner. Although, I have to admit, the rushed, slightly chaotic nature of it all, and the suspense about that pose, just added to the fun!
- Mel
