Gold Charms from Paris Plaster???

[Tara Roberts]

Hey everyone,

I finally sent out all my Birth/Bereavement Announcements, I will attempt to post them tonight. Now I am on to my next project... I was given a set of hand and footprints made from Paris Plaster, I asked the hospital to provide me with another set so I could try and have silver or gold charms made. The second set they provided me with is made from a Playdough like material that hardens into a foamlike plaster.... My question is: Has anyone attempted this? I am having a hard time at the jewelers; they don't want to ruin the models I have and say it's likely due to the pourous materials. Any suggestions?

All the best
Tara

[Cheryl Haggard]

Hi Tara,
I had the same Crayola molds for Maddux, and yes they are very fragile.
I had a lady make a reverse impression of his mold, and then re mold it again in plaster. Does that make sense, so it was a two time process, ((make an mold, and then make a new impression...))
Hope this helps...

[Tara Roberts]

Were you able to have anything made into a charm with the new impression? I know they can do bronze molds, but Christian's hand was so tiny I want to have it near my heart all the time...so it has to be a necklace charm.

[Bill Tilton]

I would suggest looking for someone who designs jewelry — artistic, one-of-a-kind type things. I think they might know more about the casting process than the typical jewelry store. I believe there are materials made specifically for this sort of thing that have low porosity and are able to reproduce a very intricate shape.

I toured a glass factory in France this past year and saw the processes they used. The final mock-up was made from a special wax that melted away under heat and left the plaster mold behind. The detail they obtained was incredible! So, I think Cheryl's suggestion of a negative/positive mold is right on target.

You might also do an internet search. The process I described is called the "lost wax" method. So you might try a search for "lost wax molding". I'm sure there are other methods also, but this might get you to the kind of info you're looking for.

Good luck!

Bill

[Tara Roberts]

If anyone is interested... I went to the jewelers yesterday, my husband couldn't come so I went alone. To say it sucked and was difficult is putting it mildly. Seeing the team of jewelers handle my babies imprints was so stressful - the plaster and the crayola molds weren't able to handle the wax they needed to melt to form a mold. With the help of the entire store putting their heads together... We are taking a picture of Christians hand and sending it to a computer guy. He will take a 3-dimensional pic (CAD)??? and will attempt to make a mold. I am so scared to see if they can actually do it, but the idea of Christians "hand" near my heart brings happy tears to my eyes. I will let you know how it turns out, hopefully this helps other families with their journey..Kathi can you post the picture of Christians hand? I have a hard time doing it.

[Sarah O'Neal]

My funeral home offred them....I will ask.

[Cheryl Haggard]

I really think this lady could help you with your molds...Call her and ask her your questions...Her name is Jamie...303-581-9995

[Tara Roberts]

I found someone who says they can take the hand or foot print from the hospital and make a replica on a necklace charm... The CAD picture is too difficult and the jeweler passed me off. Oh well, I will call Jamie and see if she can help. Thank you.

[Cheryl Haggard]

Also wanted to share this...This company can take a scan of your babies foot or hand, shrink down and put on a pendant.
Do not quote me on pricing, but aprox costs are for yellow or white gold 370.00 and for sterling silver 140.00

http://www.thumbies.com/