How to Make a Pencil Holder Casting Projects

How to make a pencil holder out of casting plaster.

Supplies

- 1- 2 sheets of Polypropylene

- 1 Pencil/Pen

- 1 Ruler

- 1 pencil marking compass

- 1 Scissors

- 1 cutting knife

- Duct tape

- Casting Plaster

- 1 Bucket

- 2 cups

- Water

- 1 Plastic mixing spatula

- Filer

Step 1: Drawing the Mold

Using a pencil/pen, ruler, and a sheet of polypropylene, measure and draw a dodecahedron net as shown above with the measurement of 6cm long for the sides of each pentagon and 4cm for the 2 top and bottom length of each pentagon.

Step 2: Cutting and Taping the Mold

Using Scissors cut out the drawn dodecahedron net on the polypropylene, and cut one of the pentagons sticking out in order to leave a hole to pour the plaster in. Then get a cutting knife and scar the connecting lines of each pentagon to make it easier for it to bend when connecting the edges and taping. Cut some tape long enough to connect each edge together, line the edges up and carefully apply the tape without leaving any space in between the edges resulting in having a tight and well-taped mold. The mold should end up looking similar to the video above. If there are any holes cover them up with tape. It is best if you add a second layer of tape in order to ensure that no leakages will happen when pouring the plaster!

Step 3: Drawing the Core

Using a pencil/pen, ruler, and a sheet of polypropylene, measure and draw a rectangle with the length of 13cm and the width of 7cm as well as draw 2 circles on the side of the rectangles using a pencil marking compass with a diameter of 4cm. The net should be drawn similar to the picture above.

Step 4: Cutting and Taping the Core

Using Scissors cut out the drawn cylinder net on the polypropylene. Then cut some tape long enough to connect each edge/sides of the circles and the rectangle together, similar to the picture above, and carefully apply the tape without leaving any space in between the edges/sides as well as tape the rectangles edges tightly together to create a more rounded cylinder core. The core should end up looking similar to the picture of the cylinder above. If there are any holes cover them up with tape. It is best if you add a second layer of tape in order to ensure that no plaster will get inside when sticking the core inside the plaster!

Step 5: Creating the Plaster

Get 1 bucket and use one of the cups to measure 2 cups of water and pour into the bucket. Get a new cup to measure 3 cups of casting plaster powder and pour into the same bucket. Add 20-30 drops of liquid watercolor of your choice (optional) and stir the mixture till the plaster becomes a similar consistency to heavy cream.

Step 6: Pouring

Using the dodecahedron mold that was created, pour the plaster mixture into that mold. Quickly get the core and put it in the center of the mold with the poured plaster and lift the core up about 1 to 1.5 inches from the bottom of the mold to ensure that there will be no holes at the bottom of the product itself. Cut a long strand of tape and secure the core in place by sticking it on one side of the mold, going across the core, and taping it to the opposite side. After finishing the pouring it should look similar to the picture above. Set the mold aside undisturbed for curing and wait overnight till dry.

Step 7: Taking Out the Mold and Core

After waiting overnight, check to make sure the plaster is dry by touching it. Once dry, carefully pull off the tape on the mold, take off the mold, and carefully pull out the core in the middle of the dried plaster. All that is left with would be your product.