need suggestions for a craft i'm contemplating

[dweller]

i work mostly in wood, but now i'm in need of a plaster/concrete/clayish substance that i can pour/create/mold a flat face like tile.

the end product will be fairly flat, with just slight forehead and chin elevation, more 3-dimensional eye, nose and lip distinctions.

overall, this will be either 4" x 4", or a longer 4" x 10" face. Similar to like the Easter Island figure's face so not much detail is needed other than the facial quality. Wouldn't need to be over 1" thick when finished...

Especially helpful would be something easy to mix, mold and quick drying to a hardened quality (i have no kiln available) and if it's a really lightweight would be great.

is there any product anyone's worked with that would come to mind? I've racked my brain trying to think of something.

many thanks
dp

edit to add a pic (not literal, but suggestive) of the end product --i'd just need a facsimile of this, less forehead, no neck etc.

[NMDemDist2]

1. do you have a mold, or are you carving it? n/t

[dweller]

2. i don't have a mold, yet

but will make one. Depends if i am pouring, or 'sculpting' the product over it. :)

one would have to be concave, the other convex i guess.

and the face i provided a pic of above, may change...more humorous, whimsical, may add mustache, etc.

dp

[NMDemDist2]

3. dunno if this will help, but it's a place to start .....

http://www.themodelmakersresource.co.uk/articles/article017.html

[dweller]

4. well, that is plaster

and that is one option.

I guess i'm looking for something that has more of a natural stone look ...


thanks
dp

[NMDemDist2]

5. i read you can mix stone dust with resin

but i've never done it... :shrug:

let us know how it turns out and what you found :applause:

[dweller]

6. i'm thinking of using

a hypertufa mix if all else fails.

it's cheap enough, but may take some tweaking to get the right look, and hopefully it will not be too heavy since i'm working with a smaller and thinner finished product.

basically the 'face' will be the lid of a small wooden box, if it works i'll post a pic in a week or so.

wish me luck.
dp

[amerikat]

7. How about water putty or bondo

Water putty can be cast or carved, it's very inexpensive and holds up well. Available at most hardware stores or big box stores.

http://www.waterputty.com/

Bondo is what they repair automotive dings and dents with. more expensive and has to be cast rather quickly because it is a two part mix that hardens fairly fast.

http://www.bondo-online.com/default.asp

I would use a casting from a mold or carve from a block. THen faux finish to get the stone look. You can buy spray paints that spray on a textured finish to look like granite.

http://www.misterart.com/store/view/003/group_id/8631/Krylon-Make-It-Stone-Faux-Finishing-Kit.htm

Let us know how you make out with this project.

Edit to add: you can get clay that can be fired in your oven. Available from most craft or art suppliers.

[dweller]

8. the water putty looks interesting

i couldn't find info on setting (drying) time ... any idea?

i'll look for it at the home improvement store today.

thanks!
dp