Ceramics Induction 3

So since we got our models done, detailed and refined, the model was ready for the next stage.We took took the model off the board and and covered it in a bed of clay, like this

Then we made a coffin out of the bed like this-

This was followed by a lesson on how to mix plaster and how to use it. We were asked to ensure our character coffin walls were sturdy so this doesn't happen, when we put the plaster on to the models-

So when the plaster hardened we had one side of the mould, which looked like this-

Then we made the other side of the mould and when I took my Palestine character out it looked like this-

Then we made a foam mixture, put the mould together and tied it with a rubber band, so when the foam expands, it does not escape from unnecessary parts, and poured the foam inside through the feet. I learned that using foam it is necessary to mix it as hard as you can and as quick as you can before you pour it in. And when the foam started to rise, some of the characters did not have hands. Well its because when the foam was rising, air was trapped in the arms, so it made an air pocket. Thats when i realised i needed to carve small tunnels letting out the air where necessary.
So this is how it looked when it was finished-

Overall I really loved these sessions because they showed me that ceramics can be fun, and it was interesting work with all these different materials and also just making something with your own hands. So if I ever have a stop motion animation, I will know what to do!