You now have a cast that can be used for casting papier-mache, celastic, latex or plaster. It can be used again and again, if you take care of it. Store your casts carefully in boxes with shaving or paper excelsior cushions. Many puppeteers use the same mould for a number of characters, counting on painting and dressing to add the required character differences.
Casting Papier-Mdche
Shellac both halves of the shim cast mould and allow it to dry well. This time you might add half a teaspoon of alum to the cold water papier-mache paste for added strength, mixing it in thoroughly. In addition to the strips of newspaper, you might use strips of finer paper, such as that used in Japanese crepe napkins. This is not absolutely necessary, but will give your heads a finer outside finish. Do not grease the mould. Pass the strips of finer paper quickly through clean water, then paste them lightly on one side only and press them into the mould with the pasted side up. Make sure the- paper lies perfectly flat without creases or bubbles and that the inside surface of the mould is covered completely.
