Since I'm gonna make a lot of plaster mold for the hamster houses I make, I decided to build some cottle boards!

I bought these wood planks from Home Depot. It was very cheap!

First of all, you need to sand down all the edges of the wood planks.

They are very sharp and rough. you will get hurt from it D;

Use the large grid sandpaper to smooth down any sharp/rough edges!

Don't forget the each corner, too!

Before you begin the process, make sure you wear a mask to protect yourself from a lung cancer if you don't have a dust control vent!

All you need to make the cottle boards is these stuff in the picture lol.

Some clamps, wood glue, nails, and a hammer!

I'm using the wood glue to make it stronger.

I've seen many people skip this part, but I'm just using it to make them more sturdy and last longer.

I placed them on the floor to attach them without being crooked.

I want that exact 90 degree angle!

I clamped all the way to the side, so I could nail them together.

I nailed it like a pro.

And then I moved the clamp to the middle so it stays evenly.

All done! Nice and easy.

I decided to varnish my wooden trays and the cottle boards.

Mold can easily grow on wood especially when you work with damp clay.

I don't want green stuff growing on my trays and cottle boards lol.

Make sure you varnish them in a well-ventilated area.

I did this in the living room and got yelled at by mom because it was spreading fumes all over the house lol.

Waiting for them to dry.

I let them dry for about a day or two before I handle them.

Chili started trimming her own nails now!

I was worried about her long nails because it seemed very uncomfortable for her to stand on her feet.

She learned how to cut them in the perfect length and now she has beautiful feet xD!

#molding #craft #buildingstuff #ceramic