Gail Bartel's Blog

I was sent Activa's Rigid Wrap in my last batch of supplies for the Design Team.  I have worked with this product before.  The Grade 6 classes use it to make masks for Carnaval de Quebec every January but I have not used it outside of this.  I find some people are a little intimidated to use plaster as a medium.  This is a good product to get you familar with it.  Here is an Angel project for you to try.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

- Activa's Rigid Wrap

- Activa's Wire Mesh

- scissors

- masking tape

- 1.5 inch styrofoam ball

- water

- wax paper, newspaper

- acrylic paint

- glitter glue

- sequins, gems, embellishments

- Aleene's Tacky Glue

- material for hair

PROCEDURE:

So this what the Activa products look like.

Using scissors cut a square section of the Activa wire mesh.  About 6" x 6".  Wrap into a cone shape and tape together with masking tape.  Push down on the top of the cone to leave a little indentation for the styrofoam ball to sit in.

Tape the styrofoam ball into place.

With scissors cut a wing shape out of the wire mesh.  I cut this on the fold so my wings were symmetrical.

Using scissors cut your Rigid Wrap into strips.  I usually cut a variety of sizes and cut more than you think you'll need as once you start sculpting you don't want to run out.

Set up your work space.  Have some wax paper or newspaper to work on top of.

Using one strip at a time dip into the water to activate the plaster.  Don't soak them, just moisten.

Place the strips on your wire foam overlapping them as you go.  You need about 2- 3 coats.

After covering the cone and head turn the armature over and overlap some strips on the bottom.  This will cover up the sharp cut edge of the mesh.

One thing to remember when working with plaster strips you need to work that plaster surface a bit, smooth it with your fingers.  Otherwise the plaster will just sit in the beaded consistency it was before you moistened it.  Play with it a bit.

Apply a couple layers of plaster strips to your wings

Place your plaster pieces on some wax paper and leave to dry.  Now the plaster sets up in 20 minutes but is still quite moist.  It will take another 24 hrs or so for it to fully dry out.  When cleaning up try to siphon off the water from your container leaving most of the plaster residue in the bowl.  You don't want to clog up your drains! Let the residue dry to a powder and then discard.

Now I wanted a few 3D details for my Angel face so after the plaster dried I applied a small amount of air dry clay.

While my face was drying I began painting my wings with acrylic paint.  I added some glitter glue as well.

Paint your Angel.  I used a fine sharpie for some of the details.  Glue on some hair with Aleene's tacky Glue.  I used Curly Crepe.

Add some embellishments.

Finally glue the wings on with a glue glun.  That's it.

You can make a nice new homemade decoration in 2 days.

So on to my assessment.

Activa Rigid Wrap:

PROS:

- fast set up time

- can cut easily with scissors into strips

- only needs moistening with water to activate

- works well with Activa's Wire mesh

- easy painting when dry

CONS:

- only 20 minute open time and still need 24 hrs to fully dry

- need to smooth your plaster so strips don't show up in final product

- more costly than sculpting with straight plaster and canvas

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

 This product definitely has it uses.  I love using it for the plaster masks.  We apply straight to the kids faces. (they have a protective coat of vasline on).  If you are not familar with plaster this is a good way to start.  It sets up faster than papier mache and has some weight to it.  The end piece will be more substanial, closer to a ceramic.  You do have to work quickly as with any plaster project so it is not a great fit for younger kids.  You need to have a pretty clear idea of what you want for your final piece.

Take care everyone and make sure to give yourself a break during this last hectic week before Christmas!