DIY: How to make a Two Piece Plaster Mould for Pottery at Home

[@LeoFieTv]

We need an ode to the sacrifiial brushes that we use for all the stuff that we don't want to contaminate our paint with. The ones we use for glue, for wax, for dusting. You couldn't be a creative without them.

[@mollie-rosekaylah2620]

I already thought the world of clay could be endless with ideas, but being able to make your own moulds, just wow! like if there is an animal or thought you want as a mould but it's hard to find one or expensive, you can just make your own! the echidna mug might be my favourite, it's so so cute. also the spider jumping out of the newspaper is the most Aussie thing ever 😂😂😂

[@ShelbySherritt]

SO MANY IDEAS! I wish I could do them all but it is almost a CON having so many ideas and not enough time to do them all! So thats why when I have an idea I make it myself and when I am really stoked with the design I will make a mould from it!

[@irisesberry6188]

Can you make a video on when you remake the kookaburra. It’s such a beautiful and cute piece 💜 love your videos!!

[@irisesberry6188]

And I would love to see you do and show more of your personal work on the channel or on igtv

[@ShelbySherritt]

I need to remake the kookaburra! I was actually meant to release the kookaburra with the possum! That is how long ago this happened, so maybe 3 years since I first made that cutie. It has been something I just stare at and long to make again but other things take priority! I would love too! I think because I do my originals everyday that I don't really show them off because I don't consider them super interesting (they have just become a daily normal routine rather than a new exciting mould that I have just poured) so thats a bit of why I don't show as much off other than the finished result.

[@psychedelikchameleon]

This video is so lovely and wholesome, I really enjoyed it. Been struggling lately mentally and physically, but arts and crafts are always there to bring me joy. Or in this case, someone else doing arts and crafts! Started watching your mystery mould series the other week, it's fab. Thank you.

[@paigehones5619]

Thanks for posting! I am embarking on my first mold making journey, with your help. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

[@jossycaro354]

Shelby, you are super knowledgeable and talented! I normally throw on the wheel, but you explained it so easily with your in-depth step by step procedures that I’m thinking of giving it a go! Thanks for a brilliant video explaining your process.

[@lunarmoved]

Hi Shelby just wanted to say thank you for doing these videos. They always relax me. When i saw your first video i think you were in mold 16 or do so i binged then all then continued to watch everyone. They helped me thru a bad time. It's what i needed when i binged them. They are very relaxing to me. Thank you!!!

[@mama_p_nz8233]

I found you due to shorts on KZbin Shelby, you are an amazing young lady. Your art is fantastic, your smile is captivating. You are an amazing young lady, i wish you all the best, take care of you.

[@BR-nv8bw]

thanks for this! i’ve been sitting with extra clay for years and wanted to make a bunch of stuff with it, but never knew if i was able to make a ceramic piece then make a plaster cast and be able to make clay slips and pour it into the plaster- i was told so many different things of what not to do and etc! this clears a lot up!

[@maramakesjournals2319]

This was very interesting. At first, my brain could not make sense of what you were doing (newspaper and all that). At the end, my brain felt happy. It’s usually good with spatial things, but this mold thing flummoxed me. I watched to find out what that creature was. I’d seen the little shmoos in the kiln when you revealed mystery mold pottery. Now I know they’re wombats. Cool!

[@kristacohen8210]

When making the positive a little bigger than the completed casts, do you also need to make any alterations to the detail of the piece? Perhaps carving details in a little deeper than you'd like them to turn out? Or maybe leaving them a little rounded with the expectation the piece will contract as it dries? I heard you admire in the mystery clown mug video, the way the textured hair turned out.

[@mywork456]

This video is really amazing and very informative for everyone who tried to making plaster mold 👌

[@jennierenzi8739]

Wow that was so interesting and informative. Love you whimsical fun art work and that fact that you can use it daily is just over the top.

[@workofartgreeley7065]

GREAT video, thank you! I love the clamps you are using. So much easier than the other ones I've had!

[@christopherstrudwick]

loved seeing you in front of the camera more and even though i was initially disapointed it wasn't a reveal this was so much better and interesting and hope to see more like this as your channel grows awesome job see you next week x

[@ShelbySherritt]

Oh thank you! Its always really hard to speak to the camera! Its mostly the noise control is really tricky as I don't have fancy equipment so it just makes it easier to film and then voiceover so I can control the sound! It is nice to know that this was a good element that you liked as I will try and do it more!

[@Skrunkleepie]

Thank you so much! This is such an amazing video! I’ve been thinking about trying to make ceramics my career and realized that I’m gonna need to make wolds of my creations so thank you so much!

[@nancyw8866]

Very cool. I have a question. Is the inside of the cup depended on how long the slip stays in? Do you have to do anything to the inside?

[@oliviachapman783]

thank you so much for this video it is so well done !! i found some of my late grandmas ceramics that she made in the 70s and i so desperately want to recreate them in her legacy. such an informative video your passion for this craft is so inspiring !!! also appreciate that you’re from aus so i can actually find the stuff at barnes and bunnings

[@valspeller2242]

Really enjoyed this video, thank you. Could you possibly show how to make a mould for a plate? Also for slip casting.

[@carleyblue3]

Would love to see the process of making a master item that you'd then use for moulds.

[@ShelbySherritt]

You don’t need too! You can use practically anything for a master! Use your imagination! Anything from an op shop find to your own creation! Good luck!

[@pameladelvalle3426]

@@ShelbySherritt Hi Shelby, do you know if your master can be bisqueware or does it have to be glazed

[@elffymon]

So you could use natural things too like mini pumpkins?

[@aaronying4989]

This is so interesting and your presentation is very well done. Thank you. I really want to do this but not sure where to start!! You were very clear. Your work is really incredible. So involved and labor intensive!!

[@aurianeazo4669]

I really like your plaster mould series.

[@ShelbySherritt]

Thank you so much!

[@tiahaynes6521]

That was amazing Shelby!!! Thanks!!! Just went and ordered all the stuff to make my own after watching this 😂😂😂

[@ShelbySherritt]

YAY! This makes me so dang happy! So happy it was so helpful and informative that you would like to give it a go yourself!

[@masolh]

Yeeeeees you areeeeeee baaaaaack 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ShelbySherritt]

Hehe, I sure am! Not a mystery mould this week but something I really needed to release into the world so thought it would be a good replacement from the usual weekly upload!

[@masolh]

@@ShelbySherritt I'm so glad when I see that you have uploaded a new video. Thank you for sharing your journey! 🌷🌷🌷

[@nancyablceranable9862]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH ❤❤❤❤ its soo helpful and your studio is such a cute location and vry pleasing to see

[@oscariuss]

That’s awesome mate. Thanks for the guide. Great to see Aussie content too

[@sarahmac27]

Thanks for this! How do you dispose of the plaster and slip you don’t use? I’m guessing let it set and throw out?

[@amyensley2478]

Thank you for sharing. I am wanting to make a mold of my work and your video explained so much !

[@Shellyshocked]

I didn't realize how much goes in to making them or that they shrink down that much. Great video ty!

[@marymacdonald805]

Love seeing the processes.

[@myssyeyde5399]

Loved this video, and your descriptions of the technical sides were totally understandable even to me and I haven’t sculpted since high school :)

[@ShelbySherritt]

Yay! I always find it so hard to explain as sometimes you just need to do it and see it in person but hopefully this in depth explanation makes it a lot clearer!

[@ClownWhisper]

Just the DIY I used to do Lost wax jewelry casting in a very fine combination of silica plaster of Paris and cristobalite which is really over is used in making the cast for jewelry. I cannot tell you exactly the proportions it would be easy to look up lost wax casting investment recipe.

[@jessicamartinez634]

That was a great video! I wish I could have seen you trim your pieces after molding and if you needed to clean the molds after a pour.

[@ShelbySherritt]

No need to clean unless there is a little bit of clay left over, that’s why I didn’t show it, it should come out clean and clay free if your plaster is mixed right! As for trimming, it depends on the piece and that can be seen in my other content, every piece need a different trim based on your own designs and aesthetic 💕

[@lauraarias4222]

Love your video it has lots of information. Question: can you bake you poterry on the molds? Or you take the piece out of the mold amd then baked?. What clay do you use to pour in the molds?

[@natmickan]

If you get stuck with the mold plans for the Kookaburra, VanTikiStudios has a super run down of his process and what he looks for re: undercuts etc. in a few of his Tiki Technical Tuesdays (I wanna say #35 is one?). Love your work :)

[@ShelbySherritt]

HEhe thank you so much! yes very rookie mistake for undercuts on the kookaburra! That was very early on in my mould making journey but since then I have learnt so much! Which has been a big reason why I finally had the confidence to share my process!

[@Luiz-uc5ln]

Wow first time watching and you made things alot simpler for me thanks 👍

[@mixplacas3d881]

Good afternoon, how are you? I really liked your video, I'm from Brazil, I would like to know what the proportion of plaster and water is, could you answer me, thank you

[@nasrinaghdam9423]

Great video 🤗What release do you use to prevent the casting material stick to plaster mold ?

[@kirstiemullin4564]

Well done Shelby, another epic video!

[@ShelbySherritt]

Thank you so much!

[@ola_slov]

Thanks a million. Really clear explanation 😊

[@mirbirb]

Such a great step by step video! Thank you!

[@carolynpollack1083]

Hi, this was a really interesting video. I've been wanting to have a go at making my own molds. So once the molds are poured/dried, they don't have to be bisque fired?

[@cherylburkitt9722]

I love watching you so much ❤️ Your tutorials are great and explained so well I think you are so clever ☺️

[@Sharitza90]

I enjoyed your video! Please make more videos like this 🙏

[@ShelbySherritt]

I plan on it! Very busy behind the scenes getting the new studio built but as soon as that is built I will have a dedicated space to film and record more tutorial style videos. I am so grateful you enjoyed this one!

[@johnagorman]

Such great info. And delightful pottery. Thank you

[@AtypicalPaul]

Have you tried brushing liquid latex to prevent pieces from sticking inside the mould?

[@sierraecho884]

The shrinkage is crazy, also ...cute =)

[@itsLunaloo]

this is so helpful! his might be a dumb question, but do you have to hollow out the center of the piece after you demold it?

[@tracibrandt4195]

This was so interesting! Thank you so much for sharing your process!! 🥰

[@ShelbySherritt]

You are so welcome! I am just happy it was helpful!

[@gregrumble8207]

Thank you for the detailed instructions!

[@Iisa1010]

I worked in a Dinopark as an intern. We made some of the smaller dino figurines like the eggs and stuff. And it's a quite similar process. love it and miss making stuff like this! came here from your Insta.

[@ShelbySherritt]

THAT IS SO COOL! Thank you so dang much for your love and support! So cool finding out how other people have come to the craft!

[@eloyserratojr8215]

Do you have a video explaining how you keep the inside of it empty? Do you place something in there so it stays hollow?

[@celenaali2132]

I was thinking this also! I keep rewatching but I don’t know how she did it

[@TheSpifftastic]

When you pour the slip into the mold you let it sit for a couple minutes and then pour out the excess. The thickness of the sides depends on how long you let the slip stay in the mold. The inside will be hollow unless you were to not dump out the excess.

[@londapaul9087]

I've been considering making a plaster mold(s) of a large plate I can no longer throw. Your video made me feel like it wasn't a possibility. Thank you! do you have other molds you have made with larger pieces, if so would you consider making a video of how you make the mold?

[@dinaruns08]

i love this video it made me feel like i can make my own molds. thanks so much. what’s the kiln you have? is that for all your production or just tests? i want a kiln but i worry about getting a tiny one and growing out of it soon, or wondering if ill have to invest in a bigger one but it is way outside my budget

[@Cleantok497]

Yay been waiting for a new video I stay off tik tok until I see your video on here :)

[@ShelbySherritt]

Thank you so much! I will be returning to the usual mould reveals this week!

[@jonyalen5011]

Bom dia, Shelby ! Parabens, pela tecnica usada, gostei muito do seu modo de fazer moldes !. Pricipalmente por usar jornal na base da preparaçao dos moldes

[@ShelbySherritt]

Thank you for the tip! Interesting to know!

[@elenstefs]

So basically you can pour plaster instead of ceramic clay for the cast if youd like, right?

[@yellep.5639]

I have a question. ¿Can you reuse this molds as much as you want or you will have to create them again after a few uses? Also, how can you fill in the molds with plaster and not having them stick to the cast?

[@margie2092]

Please do show when you make the kookaburra mold

[@PurpledaisyShasta]

Cannot wait to use this method to make my own elf dolls.

[@The_Joy_Finder]

How did I miss this episode? It is so interesting.

[@beachtrash1852]

I love your accent! Thank you for a great video!

[@sensitivebrain443]

Wow thanks so much for making this tutorial! I may be a bit slow but wanted to know how did you make them hollow?

[@ShelbySherritt]

Slip casting works by absorbing the moisture in the clay creating a shell as it sets. Wherever the clay touches the plaster it will start to set. You then pour out the excess clay which leaves it a hollow shell. Hope this helps!

[@shanemilehi]

Love the video. Did you say that you could increase the size of the piece. I wanted to cast chess pieces but would like them not to shrink so much

[@jayjames7502]

Thank you!! so excited to give it a go with my tutor soon!

[@joro7392]

Fantastic info! Loved this for tips and tricks!! 👏🏻

[@ShelbySherritt]

Thank you! I am so happy this was helpful!

[@upsettispaghetti3864]

Thank you for the inspiration to try this. Motivates me to try it! Wish me luck 😅😁

[@samanthanicholson9015]

I want to make planters and bowls for candles...some usable ones for snacks...would it be the same to make these or would you suggest to do one half top and bottom?

[@KyG-i5x]

How long does it take for the pour clay to harden into the shape? How long does it take before you pour out the excess clay?

[@porcelinaiscariot]

Can you use a normal soap for model release? Or Vaseline? Thank you!

[@alnooree2000]

good job thanks im working with fiberglass mold

[@lorishaw1449]

So cool! I may try it.

[@mollie-rosekaylah2620]

I was just about to start watching you and I clicked your channel and you post this, I'm so excited to watch this!

[@ShelbySherritt]

Yay! I am so excited! I hope this one is helpful!

[@aniabrinis3109]

Very good video ❤ very helpful

[@someuser4166]

cute mugs / vases

[@heidilorenz5364]

So lovely and cute!!!!!

[@deestride5782]

Your video was fantastic ,your a great inspiration 👏

[@shannahmatecun9996]

Wow so cool and informative!

[@fiionafay]

Thanks Shelby, very helpful.

[@नेपालीगीतसाङित]

Hello miss Can we cast gypsum in such mold to get result like shiwn in video

[@ShelbySherritt]

I don’t think so I’m afraid! Plaster is porous so it absorbs the moisture in the clay! You may be able to but you will need to find a releasing solution so your gypsum releases from the plaster!

[@LuvNPom]

Loved your video I just have one question. I’m from the US and I was wanting to know what is the ratio of plaster to water that you used

[@ShelbySherritt]

Kim! Wonderful question! I didn't put it in the video because I cant claim it as my own but I mentioned the ratios I use are by Jenny Rijke and I linked their details in the description too!

[@LuvNPom]

@@ShelbySherritt I Click the link but did not find that

[@kennethgonzalez3618]

So how do you get the mug or jar to have like the empty inside? I noticed you poured some out after it set for a while but how long do you wait?

[@ShelbySherritt]

That's the slip casting process not the mould making process. I haven't made a video of that but its empty because of the clay sides firming up and tipping out whatever is left!

[@AtypicalPaul]

If you have a fired piece for making a mould is there a way to enlarge the piece or keep it from shrinking?

[@heididerksen8227]

Just wondering what's the ration of water to plaster if you could help me there.

[@lucasking4739]

Would it be possible to use air dry clay as the thing you use when making the mould?

[@MissChelle]

Hello fellow Aussie! Glad I found you! Can I use castor oil instead of the release wax?❤️🇦🇺

[@markinpdx7345]

Great video, thank you for sharing what has worked for you.

[@TheBohoSuitcase]

this process is so interesting to watch!

[@ShelbySherritt]

I am so happy you enjoyed it!

[@Cherrys4Me8P]

Great video! So helpful ❤

[@tastykeish]

For the hole on top, how do you get that if it's filed in with newspaper?

[@nadinechambers]

Thanks for sharing, great video 👍

[@ShelbySherritt]

I am just so happy it was helpful!

[@Greyboa45]

You didn’t mention what kind of soap release you use? Thank you

[@iraimaotteson2838]

Beautiful video!

[@susill54]

This video is super duper helpful Shelby. What dipping glaze/powder glaze you use? I have some trouble with it. My pieces don’t pick up glaze where chrysanthos underglaze is paint and I have no idea what is going on. 🤧🤧🤧

[@ShelbySherritt]

OK! A few things with chrysanthos and glaze! Some glazes don't like chrysanthos and some firing temperatures don't like some chrysanthos as well (much like all pottery). I can say that I bisque fire all of my underglaze as I find sometimes if I glaze straight over the underglaze it won't pick up the glaze or it runs slightly. I have also had that experience with other underglazes too! Some chrysanthos colours aren't recommended for stoneware temps and can react to some brands of clear glaze. But I think it might be the bisque step as that has happened to me before!

[@susill54]

@@ShelbySherritt Omg thank you for your reply ❤️ This is sooooo helpful. I've been looking for the reason for weeks and you are the only one who answered everything. Thank you so much Shelby you are the best of the best ❤️💋

[@neslibarlak7775]

Hi Shelby, thank you for this great video! 🙏 i made some molds exactly as you did and they look great🙏🙏 however i need to ask you please, how long do the molds need to rest before the first use? I poured some clay in it after a week, and even after a day it still didnt dry😞 does this mean that the plaster is not fully set? Thank you sooo much🙏♥️

[@ShelbySherritt]

Oh my gosh amazing!!! Congratulations I am so happy they worked 🎉💓 I can’t believe I didn’t pop that in the video! I wait two weeks! Give your moulds some time for the plaster to dry out completely. Plaster works by absorbing the moisture. When they are fresh they still have a lot of moisture in them that hasn’t completely dried out yet so it’s absorption quality isn’t amazing yet. If you are in a cooler climate right now you may need to wait a bit longer or find a way to pop them in the sun for the water to dry out. This video was filmed in a spring climate and I waited two weeks 💓 hopefully that helps not just with your problem but explain what might be going on!

[@ShelbySherritt]

Also if that’s not the problem can you let me know by what you mean of it not being dry? Is it still moist inside to the point that a finger print is left on the clay when you touch it? Does the clay have a shell on the surface where it has touched the clay and that is just a bit soft still? It might help! Or is it that the clay is stuck in the mould? The castings are still rather damp so it might just be a little bit of playing around to figure out if there are any burs the piece is getting caught on as you are pulling it out! Let me know because if I can’t help someone reading these comments might be able too!

[@amberbrumley7199]

Can you talk about your glazing and firing steps? I see videos of people firing items only once but my local pottery place says you always have to glaze twice.

[@erinhallmakes777]

i would love to learn it all. what is underglaze or the different ways to colour? can you mix underglazes together to get different colours? what are the different types of clay and what do you use? what is your production process. i see a shelf of pieces behind you with eyes and noses, are they drying for the next step? how many do you batch process at a time and from pour to finished whats turn around time in your current process? also do you have a website and if so why is it not linked in video description!?! your very inspiring

[@ShelbySherritt]

WOW! Getting into all the nitty gritty questions here! You sound very passionate and interested in all of it which makes me so happy! I can answer it here now but I think it would be worth doing a video on too! Underglaze can be mixed, glazes can too but their results are unpredictable, underglaze is more like an acylric paint where the colour is very similar to what you see. Clays are a tricky one, depends on your location, my clay comes from a place out of melbourne! Its all sourced here in Australia so I don't know what you have access too, sometimes you do have to do your own trial and error. I have tried a number of clay bodies before getting to this one that I love and have been using for the last three years. Production depends on drying but I usually do 1 day pouring, 1 day pulling out of moulds and smoothing for painting, a week of drying, a few days for painting, I do batches at a time, so heaps at a time and have them go through the different stages. This is so whilst I am pouring some, others are drying, others are being painted and others are going through the kiln. Current process is about 2 weeks turn around! But can be longer depending on which direction my art process is going! I don't link my website because I often don't have work ready to shop! I am also in the process of changing over to a new website host! So Ill link it very soon! I think you can find it by searching Shelby Sherritt Art too! I hope I answered it all!

[@erinhallmakes777]

@@ShelbySherritt yeah I meant it all this like video suggestions for you. I really love to go to school for ceramics but that's just not in the card as a stay at home mom of three I'm just my husband's income.

[@vdandekar]

I see you did this video about 1 year ago. I am in USA. Wondering if you used air dry clay when you built the first piece or did you use never dry clay (oil based)?

[@teresahamilton7801]

i'm not a potter, but it's interesting to see the process. thanx

[@scrappinggrammychristine7508]

Thank you for sharing this information. ❤