Playing with some clay pre-halloween and decided to cast it and call it part of a costume. It was done in a real hurry so had to make do with whatever happened.
The initial clay skull, just wanted something vaguely sugar-skull related and this happened. Actually pictured after removing it from the mould so the details are a bit battered.
Initially tried making the mould from alginate but, as I found out, multiple batches will not bond to each other!
Shortly after this the different layers all slid apart like some clammy, rubbery blamanche. So into the bin it goes. On the plus side its the stuff dentists use so it made the place smell a bit minty and sterile.
Next round in nice reliable silicone. First detail layer had added silicone fluid to reduce viscosity and help it flow into all the tiny pockets and details.
Then a couple of layers with thixo additive to get it nice and thick. Then plaster mother mould to support the floppy silicone when casting.
First time casting in jesmonite (acrylic/water based resin with plaster/stone powder) and I was pretty pleased with the results. Fairly hard, and stronger than plaster, and a quick demould time. Unfortunately at this point I noticed there were quite a few tiny bubbles in the mould, but there wasn't enough time to remould/cast them.
Base coat of black primer.
Dry brushed white/blue to pick out details (it would mostly be seen in the dark so needed to help them pop out a bit).
More highlights, more paint.
Would have liked more painted details but was in a real rush so just left it at this.
On to the second bit — an old ram's skull found last year, I knew it would come in handy eventually. Finally there was meaning given to its death, and indeed its life — to eventually have its brain-case worn to a party and be gawped at by drunken hallo-weeners... Sorry Ram.
I was painting in a rush so didn't want to risk tape pulling up undried paint hence tinfoil mask.
Phew! A long day, and not perfect, but it felt good to have something concrete at the end of it.
