DEMON SKULLS
MATERIALS:
1 - plastic (model) skull (remove/detach jaw)
1 - package non-drying clay
Liquid Latex
Plaster or Hydrocal (for casting)
some cheap brushes or makeup sponges to apply latex
Apply clay to the plastic skull model, filling in any undercuts (such as the deeper parts of the eye sockets and
temple areas) and building up and sculpting areas (teeth, cheeks, forehead, etc.) to suit your personal tastes.
Apply liquid latex to the skull, covering the head from the roof of the mouth - around the face and sides - to
the back of the skull. After coating the skull with at least 2 layers of latex, gently press a single ply of Kleenex
onto the latex. Apply another coat of latex, soaking the Kleenex as you go. When this layer dries, repeat the whole
process several times. (If you want a stronger but less flexible mold, use cheesecloth instead of Kleenex....and
only reinforce the mold with 2 layers of cheesecloth.)
To separate the latex mold from the skull (after the latex had air cured), I cut a separation line through the
mold at the back of the skull and another through the mold at the roof of the mouth. After removing the mold (and
cleaning the inside of the mold) I used duct tape to re-join the mold separations (on the outside of the mold).
After mixing a batch of Plaster, I held the latex mold in my hand (face down - with my fingers in each eye socket)
and sort of 'slush-cast' the plaster inside the mold. I continued to hold the mold until I could feel the plaster
heat up (as it set) and gently set the mold aside as the plaster continued to set. To remove the plaster demon
skull from the mold I simply removed the duct tape from the two separation lines and gently eased the skull out
of the mold.
While the demon skull was still somewhat 'wet' (plaster will continue to dry out)....I carved additional surface
texturing into the plaster. Due to air bubbles (and impatience) the horns have a rather interesting texture.....and
I kinda liked it. : )
The skulls (plaster) shrunk a bit due to continued drying and were both sealed with extra coats of clear acrylic
sealer last year.
THE EYEBALL: The eye was made by combining 1 part salt, 1 part flour and water until it is 'dough-like'. The dough
was shaped and formed (like playdough) and baked at 275 - 300 degrees (F) until it was golden brown. Anything made
this way must be well sealed as the 'dough' can rehydrate if it gets wet. I sprayed the eye with several coats
of gloss varnish, painted it, and varnished it again.
