How do you make a plaster cast of someone with limited supplies?

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Request for Question Clarification by nauster-ga on 03 Jan 2003 00:03 PST

Are you looking to capture a likeness? Paper mache can be made with
just flour, paper, and water.

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Request for Question Clarification by easterangel-ga on 03 Jan 2003 04:21 PST

Hi!

Is this the type of information you are looking for?

http://members.aol.com/c40179/lifecast.html

If you say yes, I will post it as an answer and collect the fee. Just
let me know. :)

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Clarification of Question by lachico2-ga on 04 Jan 2003 14:22 PST

That is exactly what I am looking for

Hi! Thanks for the question and for accepting my answer.

The information you seek could be found through this link.

"Making a Life-Cast!"
http://members.aol.com/c40179/lifecast.html

You can also use this article to make imaginative plaster cast figures.

"Alien Autopsy: How to Make an Alien - The Body Cast"
http://www.trudang.com/autopsy/howto2.html

This resource for plaster casting could also prove to be valuable to your needs.

"Plaster of Paradise"
http://www.castroom.com/pop/ins_menu.htm

Search terms used:  
How +to make a plaster cast  

I hope these links would help you in your research. Before 
rating this answer, please ask for a clarification if you have a 
question or if you would need further information. 
  
Thanks for visiting us.  
  
Regards,  
Easterangel-ga  
Google Answers Researcher

A rough outline, for background info only:
Lets say you want to cast a torso.  you will need a
1. willing torso
2. vaseline
3. towels
4. bucket
5. warm water
6. plaster of paris (a 100lb. bag from home depot or paint supply co.
is cheaper than 5lb. from art store)
7. burlap

WARNING! plaster can cause burns.  Also, make sure plaster does not
harden AROUND anything- never do more than half of anything at one
time.
Steps:
1. With a Sharpie, draw a halfway mark from armpits to hips on torso. 
Torso lays on table on back.  Vaseline is rubbed on torso, leaving
thin film on torso and beyond.  thick film on hair.  Some hair will be
pulled out, so shave if you need to.

2.  Cut burlap into (about) .5 x 10 inch strips

3. Put about 5 inches warm water in bucket.  Slowly sift plaster into
water.  Island of plaster will begin to form.  When islands form, add
another 2-4 cups. Mix , and mix well.  Should be a little runnier than
pancake batter.

4.  Dip burlap into plaster, place on torso, tapping lightly.  overlap
strips.

5.  DO NOT GO PAST HALFWAY POINT!  I.E. do front of torso, neck to
crotch, but do not go around to back.  Do not go past line drawn from
armpits to hipbone.

***many people every year need the paramedics to cut them out of
homemade plaster.  also, plaster can cause burns to skin EXOTHERMIC
REATION_GIVES OFF HEAT****

6.  Wait 20-30 minutes for plaster to set.

7.  Pull of gently.  hair will be lost (ouch) unless really covered in
jelly.

8.  Reapeat for back

Now take the to halves, and use more bandages to connect.  If you want
a positive, vaseline inside of molds and fill with plaster, the peel
off molds.

For inspiration, look at the work of George Segeal (sp?)