Life casting is the process of creating a sculpture of a person while they're still alive to produce the most accurate representation of that person. Creating a life cast sculpture requires a little patience, preparedness and caution.
Instructions
1. Gather the ingredients to make a life casting and have them at the ready. A well-organized project results in the best life casting and reduces the chance of harm or injury.
2. Put on a pair of vinyl gloves for this project. Latex gloves are acceptable if the person being cast is not allergic to latex.
3. Apply a thin film of petroleum jelly product over the life cast area. The jelly allows for easy removal of the life casting material. Place a swim cap over the poser's head to prevent material from sticking to their hair.
4. Spread a generous amount of alginate or commercially available plaster coated bandages over the casting area. Allow complete drying.
5. De-mold the model from the casting material. Gently and carefully cut away the mold from the model using a pair of very sharp scissors.
6. Fill the life-casting mold with the material the artist has chosen for the final casting, which commonly includes plaster, liquid metal or even clay.
