Materials:
– Duct-tape
– Scissors
– Marker
– Newspaper
– Plaster bandages
– Container
– Plaster of Paris
– Cardboard
– Wood Plank
– Saw
– Sandpaper
– Paint
Step 1: Find a Model
Ask your friends or family member to volunteer as a model. Make sure they are comfortable standing still for a long time as making a mannequin takes time and dedication. It is also essential to ensure that the model is wearing fitting clothing so that you can get the right measurements and shape.
Step 2: Prep
Ask the model to wear a tight-fitting shirt and a pair of shorts. Start by wrapping the model’s legs with duct-tape, overlapping it slightly and ensuring that it’s tight enough to get a tight fit of the legs. Move on to the model’s torso and continue wrapping until the entire body is covered, including the arms. Use a marker to highlight the neckline, waistline, and other vital parts.
Step 3: Layer with Newspaper
Cover the duct- taped model with strips of newspaper that has been dipped in water. Ensure that you cover all areas of the body, avoiding the face, and creating a seamless overlay. Cover the entire body with four layers of the newspaper.
Step 4: Add Plaster Bandages
Next, add four layers of plaster bandages on top of the newspaper, ensuring that each layer is smooth and without wrinkles. Pay particular attention to the joints, such as the elbows and knees, as these parts will require thicker layers of plaster bandages. Leave the plaster bandages to dry and set for at least an hour.
Step 5: De-mold
Once the plaster is dry, carefully cut the cast off your model. Cut from the neckline down to the waistline on one side of the cast and spread it open to remove the cast from your model. Then cut it further until it can slip out of the cast.
Step 6: Reinforce with Cardboard
The plaster cast is heavy, and it can be weak if dropped. To reinforce, cut cardboard in strips and insert them in the plaster cast. Layer three pieces and position them inside the cast where the arms, legs, and waist will be attached. Hold everything in place with duct tape.
Step 7: Reinforce with a Wood Plank
Using a saw, cut a wooden plank to fit the base of the mannequin. Sand it down, stain it, or paint it to match your shop’s brand colours. Glue the plank to the bottom of your mannequin, covering the entire base of the cast to give it a solid base.
Step 8: Finish
Finally, fill a container with Plaster of Paris and pour it in. Before the plaster dries, place the reinforced cast on top of the Plaster of Paris. Wait until everything is dry and hard before sanding the entire surface to make it smooth. Add a layer of gesso to your mannequin before painting it to get a smoother and more durable finish.
In conclusion, creating your own mannequin can be cost-effective and can also showcase your brand’s unique identity. It can be an excellent opportunity to exercise your creativity and produce a one-of-a-kind visual display. With these simple steps, you’ll have your mannequin to use for many years to come, making your store or fashion house stand out from the rest while saving money in the long run.