Fig. 19
One way, when the handle or foot is symmetrical, is to cut the model exactly in half. This must be done when the model is tough enough to handle without bending or distorting it. One half is laid cut side down upon a sheet of glass, and surrounded at a convenient distance with clay walls. Plaster
is now poured on to form one half of the mould, and allowed to set. It is then removed and the smooth surface joggled and claywashed (brushed over with claywater). The other half is then very carefully applied to the half still embedded in the mould, the walls built round and the other part of the mould cast. Then all is trimmed up and a groove run round the form as shown. (Fig. 20.) For pressing, the form is well filled with clay and the two halves of the mould strongly pressed together. Any surplus clay will squeeze into the groove and when tough enough to remove the whole is “fettled” and finished before drying and sticking up.
Fig. 20
With care and practice this method is possible: Build walls and pour in enough plaster to form one half of the mould. Before it stiffens, very carefully press in the handle or ornament just up to the halfway line and allow to set. Joggle, claywash, and cast the second half. Finally, when the object is of any size, clay walls may be used as described in the chapter on Figurines.