The Free-Range Butter Company

Autumn plastercasts

A forage in the forest is always great fun. And now you can make fantastic keepsakes of the interesting things you find.

You will need

• 1 empty Anchor tub
• A big lump of plasticine or modeling clay
• Plaster of Paris
• Water
• Twigs, fir cones, acorns etc

Method

1. Have a good old rummage around the woods or park for some interesting objects from nature. Small knobbly twigs, conkers, fir cones and acorns are ideal.
2. Half-fill the Anchor tub with a layer of plasticine or modeling clay.
3. Push one or more of your objects into the plasticine (not too far as you need to get them out again!)
4. Remove the objects from the plasticine to leave a good imprint (TIP: toothpicks might make this a little easier).
5. Mix the water and plaster by following the instructions on the Plaster of Paris pack.
6. Pour or spoon the plaster mix into the tub, leaving a 1cm gap at the top.
7. Leave to set for about 30 minutes.
8. Carefully turn the tub upside down and squeeze the sides until your cast comes free.
9. Remove the plasticine and hey presto! A perfect nature replica - you can even paint it if you wish!

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