ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION PRICE Case Price AV231 Rigid Wrap 4" wide X 180" $5.80 $62.64 / 12 AV233 Rigid Wrap 8" wide X 180" $11.30

Not just for masks and kid’s projects anymore! Rigid Wrap plaster gauze is the creative user’s choice for fast and easy dimensional work. We all remember making masks in school with strips of wet plaster gauze and mountains for social studies or science projects. Rigid Wrap is the next generation – because it isn’t off cuts from the medical industry – lengths and scarps not suitable for cast making – it is the always consistent performance oriented plaster gauze product that is made to the specifications of artists and crafts people. The only one available in the standard 4” width as well as an 8” width for more demanding projects. Here are some of the ways to use every square inch of Rigid Wrap with ideas to spur your creativity:

Punch & Layer
For fast easy shapes – use decorative punches to create the Rigid Wrap shapes. Most punch shapes are just fine – and extremely detailed shapes will be difficult. When using small shapes – don’t dip and drape as you otherwise would – lay down the first piece and wet with a small brush. Add dimensional details this way to clear globes and ornaments – vases and more! Easy, small, and lightweight pieces for jewelry. More instant dimensionality. (HINT: if applying to a non-porous surface or adding as other than flat shapes use a dot of Mighty Tacky glue to ensure a durable bond. Remember to use the space with the shaped hole you have punched as well as the shape you punch out. Save any scraps generated for casting).

Casting
Into any non-porous mold – simply wet scraps work for a moment to activate the plaster and push into the mold – be sure to add any findings while the Rigid Wrap is still wet for fast attachments without glue. OR – cut strips wider than the foam stamps of your choice and wet – push into the stamp with a brush and add a couple of more layers. When it is stiff yet still cold – peel the cast shape away from the stamp. Trim edges with a scissors either while still cold (and slightly wet) or when dry. Cast pieces make easy jewelry – décor additions and embellishments onto glassware or even onto boxes and bowls made form Rigid Wrap. (HINT: For added detail - ink the stamp before applying the Rigid Wrap. Clean stamps thoroughly after using before returning to an ink pad or other use.)

Drape
Cut appropriate lengths of Rigid Wrap enough for 3 or 4 layers over whatever forms you choose. To prepare the form – ever so lightly wipe down the surface with a bit of liquid dish detergent or soap. Dip and drape the strips – smoothing them as you go – (for varied effects – use the inside OR the outside of the form). Overlap the strips for strength. Your form will not be damaged by the process – however do not overlap the edge of the form– or you will have a difficult time removing the Rigid Wrap piece without cutting or damaging it. (HINT: Rigid Wrap will adopt the surface design of whatever the texture of the form is –even glass smooth.)

Wrapping
Cover any form you want to remain inside the piece by wrapping – this could be a wire sculpture form – a bottle; foam shapes – anything. Smoothing the surface while its wet and creamy will give you the fastest and best results – however different textures and styles can be made by cutting, drilling and sanding once the Rigid Wrap is completely cured and dry. (HINT: You can tell if a piece is completely dry by the way it feels – if it feels “cold” its still curing. Rigid Wrap can be cured faster in a microwave – to tell if such a piece is completely cured – allow it to cool before judging to see if it still feels “cold” – at room temperature) Scrunching: For the most control in this rather free form method of working – cut, wet, layer and smooth two or more layers. As it begins to stiffen “scrunch” or push into the textured shape you desire – remember you can also drape the scrunched piece for further dimension before it is totally cured. The more layers and the stiffer you allow it to become before “scrunching” – the more dramatic the shapes you can achieve. (HINT: you can build with scrunched shapes or any other Rigid Wrap forms to create combination pieces attaching with more Rigid Wrap, glue or a combination of techniques. Bows are easily made by a combination of scrunching and draping the scrunched strip over a ball of plastic wrap).

Rolling & Folding
Shapes can be rolled or folded – especially effective for beads and small jewelry items – while the Rigid Wrap is dry. Then once the basic form is established – activate the cure by wetting the shaped Rigid Wrap by spraying it or brushing it with water. You will need to have the piece supported before wetting. (HINT: Since Rigid Wrap sets up consistently and quickly – you only have to “hold” it in a shape – drape or other form for a very few minutes before it will be set up. 2 layers dramatically formed can easily be reinforced for strength by adding additional layers – one at a time after the initial form is cured.)

“How DID You do THAT?”
There are some fairly “magic” things that are very simple – that look difficult until you know the “secrets”…Favorite things can be using balloons as an armature – or skeleton…pretty simple if its just a plain round balloon – how about those long skinny ones that can be tied into an animal…then covered with Rigid Wrap - once cured – and the balloon popped that’s can be a wild kind of form. Wrap folded, rolled or layered Rigid Wrap around a clothespin, straw or other shape to create open spirals and curls – great for hair and mask add-ons. Layer shapes – wetting with a brush – allowing a section to remain dry until the wet areas have been formed and cured. Then go back and wet the reserved area – an easy way to create rigid corners without assembling after or layering over a form. Cut out designs with a craft knife after – or – remember those left over fancy holes you made with a punch – well – layer the holes along with other pieces to cover a balloon – smoothing as you go – and using a brush for the punched pieces. When cured and the balloon popped – you have an ornament with star- heart or whatever shape you used holes! Finishing: Any paint, marker, pencil, chalk, varnish or sealer can be used effectively on Rigid Wrap. Every paint technique you can imagine works well so that the dimensional form you make can take on the appearance of whatever material you desire yet remain light weight.