Making the mold of a whale vertebrae

Here are some photos taken of the first moments with the first half of the mold.  Don and I smeared so much plaster that first day, the Wednesday after we actually put another layer of plaster on the same side to strengthen the first layer.  Don said about a half inch or so of plaster would be strong enough.  This is the first time I ever played with plaster, I am excited to see how the mold will turn out!!

Plastic over the vertebrae so the plaster wont ruin it, blue tape to make it extra safe!

We had to build a clay wall that the plaster could sit on and collect and not dive off.  We also had to fill the hole in between the vertebrae with clay or else we would of had to of made a six piece mold just for the gap.

 The pouring of the plaster.

 Of course it goes over the side a little, making a mess.

More plaster is always good for a mold. Yes, I had to make it "perfect".

Today, we flipped it over and smeared the other side with a bunch of vaseline to act a barrier before we put a layer of plaster on.  We didn't want them mixing or else we couldn't get the mold open later.  I was told that it could be ready Wednesday, but I think I will wait until after Spring Break to take them apart.