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How to make plaster Easter bunny decorations

By Bunnings magazine /

Two small bunnies made by plaster sitting in front of a blue vase with colourful cushions in the background

Overview

Forget buying Easter decorations this year, with this project we'll show you how to create your own mould, so you can make as many decorations as you like!

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Prepare the silicone

Spread a tarp out to protect your work area, then take a bucket and cover the base with dishwashing liquid. Half fill the bucket with water and mix to create a soapy solution. Cut the top off your tube of silicone and use a hammer handle (or anything hard that fits) to empty the silicone into the soapy water.
Blue trap with bucket and someone pouring in silicone into soapy water.

2Knead the silicone

Put on the rubber gloves and knead the silicone in the soapy water for one minute or until the silicone is no longer sticky. Squeeze out as much water as you can from the silicone.
Someone kneading silicone and making sure water has been squeezed out of it.

3Form your mould

Take your existing Easter ornament – this could be anything but we're using a rabbit - and coat it with soapy water. (This will help to separate the silicone from the ornament later.) Next, cover your soapy ornament with silicone, except for the base of the ornament. You may need to dip your gloved hands into the soapy water to prevent the silicone from sticking to your hands. Press the silicone into the bunny and make sure there aren't any air bubbles. Keep forming the silicone around the ornament until you have a 2.5cm layer – if you run out of silicone, you'll need to follow the earlier steps to prepare another tube of silicone and continue until your ornament mould is 2.5cm thick.
Person wearing black rubber gloves holding a white rabbit

4Cut the mould

Take your utility knife and carefully cut from the top of the mould and down to the base. Gently pull apart the mould and remove the ornament. Now, use a few elastic bands to hold the mould together. Place the mould upside down, so the open side is facing up (the base) and use bowls (or anything solid) to prop the mould in place so it doesn't fall over.
Blue tarp sitting on a table - person pulling apart white mould to see a white decorative rabbit

5Pour the plaster of Paris

In a bucket, mix one part water to two parts plaster of Paris. Add the water first, then stir in the plaster slowly. Once you have a smooth consistency, pour the plaster mix into your mould. Give the mould a gentle tap to help settle the plaster and remove any air bubbles. Now, let the plaster cure for 30 minutes.
Person pouring mix into your mould. Give the mould a gentle tap to help settle the plaster and remove any air bubbles

6Finish your plaster cast

Once the plaster is fully cured, carefully remove the mould (the mould should still be in good shape so you can re-use it). Use the back of a butter knife to smooth out any bumps or blemishes, then gently sand the cast to complete your Easter ornament.

All that’s left to do now is to decorate (or you can leave your ornament as is) and re-use your mould to make even more Easter ornaments!

Person using the back of a butter knife to smooth out any bumps or blemishes on the plaster of paris bunny.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.