Ken Hamilton, the Springerle baker

On the "Original Molds" page please replace the first paragraph with the following paragraph: In this section you will see molds from the 17th to the 20th Century. Some of these molds have very intricate detail and are beautifully carved. Many of the photos and accompanying stories were sent by German folk that wanted to share a bit of their heritage and family history with us. A few private collectors here in the States have also allowed me to post photos of their collections. I wish to gratefully thank them all for being so kind as to do so and hope that you will enjoy these photos and stories. Ken Hamilton, the Springerle baker

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Paper Casting Recipe & Directions

Below are the directions we use for making paper castings.

Mixing the paper pulp

1. Fill a blender with toilet paper of choice.
2. Fill blender with water.
3. Blend for about 45 seconds. (Now its pulp.)
4. Pour some pulp into a strainer over sink or bowl.
5. Plop pulp onto mold and place on a towel*.
6. Place a piece of toilet paper or a tissue over pulp.
7. Couch out some water with soft cloth and towel over it.
8. Make a deckled edge by going around mold, ripping off extra pulp and toilet paper.
9. Couch out as much water as possible with cloth and towel.
10. Gently remove the casting from mold.

Drying

1. Allow castings and paper to air dry on counter.
2. When cast is almost dry place a soft cloth and a book on top of it for a while**.
3. Take book off and allow to dry some more.
4. Repeat process a few times. This is like baby-sitting but it prevents the casting from curling*. Before using your mold for paper casting I would suggest that you use a pan release on it first (something without a strong flavor). Then gently wash the mold with a mild soap, pat some water out and get to paper casting.

Notes

*- I usually have my mold on a towel or two. Water will be spilling over the mold.
In couching water from the mold, I use two washcloths- press, wring, press, wring. Be sure to press well over the details of the mold.
**- The book may or may not be necessary. Here lately I have been putting something with a little weight around the edges of the paper casting. I will also put my fresh paper casting on newspaper to help wick the moisture away.

I change the newspaper about every 8-12 hours but some suggest not to do this. There is an ever so slight chance that the paper casting will bond with the newspaper. I have not found this to be the case.

Try mixing in a bit of liquid starch with the pulp after blending. This should give you a much stiffer paper casting. I'm not sure of the long term effects yet.
Adding color to you casting will add another dimension to your artwork. Experiment and have fun!

Large angel - tea stained paper casting	Fall harvest - tea stained paper casting
Paper castings collection	Large harvest - tea stained paper casting

My first paper castings

Contact: kenonline@juno.com

Ken Hamilton
Clinton, SC 29325
USA
Tel. 864-833-3666 (Please be aware that I can be better reached by e-mail)

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