Plaster Pals

Mention plaster cloth, and it's hard not to think of a cast covered with signatures and get-well messages. But this easy-to-use material has moved from the doctor's office to craft supply shelves, making a name for itself as a versatile and durable sculpting medium. Here, with step-by-step instructions, we'll show you and your kids how to transform plaster cloth into all kinds of adorable creatures:

Yellow-Belly Bird
Plaster Pooch
Far-Out Friend
Bug-Eyed Blowfish
Portly Penguin

PLASTER CLOTH BASICS
Pick your wrap:   Plaster cloth, sold at most craft supply stores, is manufactured by a number of companies and comes in different-size rolls. For these projects, we used Activa Rigid Wrap brand; two 4- by 180-inch rolls make one 12-inch plaster pal (one roll per package, $6; dickblick.com).

Cover the work surface:   Use a disposable tablecloth to protect your work station (consider setting up outside on a picnic table) and have kids wear washable clothing. The plaster dissolves in water and washes out easily, but it can be quite messy.

Choose your base:   We used balloons and aluminum foil as the base materials for our plaster projects, but you can also use cardboard, plastic cartons, Styrofoam balls, and other sturdy craft materials.

Protect the plaster:   Avoid splashing water on the unused plaster cloth. Any drips will harden permanently and won't smooth out.

Let it dry:   Drying times vary greatly depending on temperature, humidity, and the number of layers of cloth. To speed up the process, you can follow the package directions for using a microwave or a conventional oven, or place the project in a sunny spot.