Need help with project / casting my hand

[BigJon]

I need some help with a project I am working on for a college art class. I am trying to make multiple ice hands that don't look fake like filling a rubber glove with water and freezing it. The mold simply needs to keep the shape my fingers are in (the death grip, fist, whatever) and does not need to transfer any detail.

My first idea was to use a combination of a rubber glove and plaster. Since plaster would dissolve in water, the glove would keep the two separated, but the plaster would hold shape for it. The problem I had with this one is that all the fingers except the thumb broke off trying to get it out of the plaster. The way that the plaster grouped together between the fingers strengthened it and made it impossible to get off without force. I had even cut the plaster in half as good as I could, but the part between the fingers was tough.

What would be the least expensive, reusable method to cast and freeze my ice hand? I need something relatively easy to do now that I only have a week left to do it. I'm thinking of doing multiple casts in order to get enough hands in time for the project due date (nov 28).

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[dropshipbob]

Try Instamold...

http://www.activaproducts.com/products/casting/instamold.htm

It won't be cheap if you want to make multiple copies, as this stuff is usually only good for one copy. But it's easy to use and "should" be available at most hobby stores (I've purchased this stuff at Hobby Lobby).
What is good about this stuff is you don't have to worry about demolding something with undercuts (like you would get with your hand). You mold your hand, pull it out and then pour in plaster or whatever. Once that sets up, you just peel the mold off of it. It's water based, so you don't have to worry about nasty chemicals. I think the 12oz. stuff costs around 8 to 10 dollars.

Probably one draw back (other than only being able to use the mold once) is that you have to be carefull with the mixing ratio. Too much water and the mold will be weak and might not set up correctly, too little and you start cutting down on your work time as well as how well the material will pick up detail.

May not be the best, but it's readily available and you don't have to make complicated two part molds.

 

[Great_Bizarro]

Maybe a wax cast, pull out your hand and cut it in half (the mold not your hand) Hold it together with rubber bands and cast.