Lil Hands Keepsake Kits Instructions

[Arthur Schile]

If you've lost you're instructions, please read below.  These instructions apply to our Lil Hands Star, Spiral, and Flower Kits as well as to ou Noah's Ark Keepsake Kits.

** Make sure the ribbon holes on the mold are properly aligned at the center-top so that when you hang your completed keepsake the handprint will be right-side up. **

STEP 1: CLAY INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Knead the clay like bread dough until pliable.  If you need to make the clay softer, knead in a few drops of water.  Kneading should make the clay less sticky.  Roll the clay into a smooth ball.

2.  Press the clay into the round handprint well in the center of the mold with the heel of your hand.  Make the clay as smooth as possible.

3.  Place your child's clean hand on the clay.  Apply pressure to the palm first, then to each finger separately.  Make the impression nice and deep.  Wash your child's hand with soap and water.

STEP 2: PLASTER INSTRUCTIONS

4.  For the Lil Hands Star and Flower, pour 1 1/4 cups of cold water into a large bucket. If you are making the Lil Hands Spiral, pour 1 3/4 cups of water into your bucket.

Grab a handful of plaster and sift it all over the surface of the water.  Repeat until all of the plaster is in the water (Be careful not to breathe the dust.)  It should form little dry islands above surface of the water.  WAIT 2 MINUTES to let the plaster absorb into the water.

5.  Stir the plaster with the paddle for 2 more minutes.   This will make the plaster strong.

6.  Pour only 1/2" of the plaster into the mold (over the top of the clay).  Grab both sides of the mold and  gently tap it on your work surface a few times.  This will allow any air bubbles to rise to the surface.

7.  Pour the remaining plaster into the mold.  Leave the filled mold on the flat surface overnight.  Do not move it.  The plaster will continue to dry out for a few days, and will eventually become very light weight.

STEP 3: PAINTING INSTRUCITONS

8.  After 8 hours, remove the plaster from the mold.  To avoid breakage, turn the mold upside down and carefully pull at each corner a little at a time to help release the mold slowly.  The clay adheres to the mold more than the plaster, so be extra careful when releasing the middle where the handprint well is.  Push the pegs gently to remove them from the plaster.  After the plaque is free you should be able to peel off the clay and remove any residue with a sponge and water.

9.  As soon as the you remove the plaster, you can paint on it.  Paint a light coat of color over the surface of the handprint.  Choose one of the pearly colors included, or use your own acrylic paints.

10.  Thread the ribbon through both holds, from back to front.  Tie a good secure knot, then a bow.

That should do it - Thanks for making a Milestones Lil Hands Kit!