Plaster of Paris is a basic craft material you can make at home and use in a wide array of projects. It lends itself to use in props for theatrical productions, decorations for parties and fun crafts for kids. You can also use it to craft your own wall plaques from this easily worked material. Plaster wall plaques made by your own creative standards aren't difficult to make and allow you to decorate your home as you see fit.

  • Plaster of Paris is a basic craft material you can make at home and use in a wide array of projects.
  • Plaster wall plaques made by your own creative standards aren't difficult to make and allow you to decorate your home as you see fit.

Add plaster of Paris powder and warm water to a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until the solution becomes white and frothy.

Pour the solution into the mould you have chosen. A 454gr. mould of any shape for your plaque is adequate. Ideas include normal rectangles or squares for you to decorate, or intricate patterns for painting and displaying like roses and animal patterns.

Set the mould of liquid plaster solution in a dry place, uncovered, for up to eight hours. If you live in a humid environment, you may want to wait an additional eight hours to assure the plaster has set properly.

Tip the mould upside down over the palm of your hand to catch the plaster plaque as it slides out. Place the plaque base facing downward.

  • Set the mould of liquid plaster solution in a dry place, uncovered, for up to eight hours.
  • Tip the mould upside down over the palm of your hand to catch the plaster plaque as it slides out.

Apply a dime-sized amount of hot glue onto the top backside of the plaque you are making. Firmly press the picture hanging strip into the glue. Hold it in place for a minute and then release. Let it dry for 10 minutes. Turn the plaque over so the front side of it can be decorated and customised according to your creative needs.

TIP

Plaster of Paris powder is obtained in craft and hobby supply stores, offering convenience to making your own plaster at home for artwork and crafts. Use acrylic paints and stencils to create designs on a plain rectangular plaster wall plaque. Alternatively you can intricately paint a 3-D plaster wall plaque to pick out its details. For instance, a plaque embossed with roses and other flowers can be painted various lifelike or fanciful colours.