Heather Desiree’s ornaments, Nativity Scenes, Totem Series, and some clay sculptures are made with the plaster mold casting method.

Desiree creates the original sculpture using a the non-hardening plasticine clay, simplifying and refining the lines of the piece until it reaches it’s desired effect. She proceeds to pour the first piece of the mold, placing the clay sculpture gently into the center of the wet plaster. The pieces of plaster are kept from adhering to each other by applying a thin film of a soapy concoction, then the next portion of the plaster mold is poured. Removing, the now nondescript plaster block from the mold form, it is now time to release the separate pieces of the mold.

Once a successful plaster mold has been manufactured,  the artist removes the original sculpture. The plaster mold is then reassembled and tightly secured into place with rubber bands or in some cases when the mold is extra large, packing cords. This is to ensure there will be no areas where the slip (liquid clay) can leak out through the seams. Slip is then poured in to the plaster. Because it is viscose, it settles into every available crevice taking on the shape of the original sculpture. The slip adheres to the sides of the plaster as the water is leached into the plaster allowing it to retain its shape.

The artist waits until the area against the plaster is the desired thickness and the remaining viscose slip is poured out, leaving a hollow sculpture still encased in the plaster. The artist waits for the clay to become more dehydrated so it can hold its form without the support of the plaster.

Once the sculpture is out of the mold, the clay cleaned of imperfections and set aside to dry. After it is completely void of moisture, it is fired in a kiln. Depending on the piece, angels and elves are hand pained with an acrylic paint and sealed with a spray or pieces such as Nativity Scene and Santa faces are painted with an underglazes (color) and fired again. The final step  for the latter is to cover the piece with a clear glaze which will seal the sculpture and provide a glossy finish after a third firing.

Even though the mold can be used over and over again, each piece that is created by that specific mold, is slightly unique; the tilt of a head or the depth of a curve. These are subtle in their variance. Heather Desiree  uses the painting itself to create the design to make the each unique.