Plaster of Paris - how can I craft with it without making a mess?

Great question, its a bit of a messy task- I'd say go disposable with your tablecloth so that when you're done you can just roll it up and throw it away.

Often plaster of paris is made too wet, keep it as pancakey/clay consistency to work it easier. Disposable table covering, latex/medical grade gloves. extra roll of of paris is mixed too wet , keep ipaper towel, extra bowls, close access to water and trash can

A little trick with plaster is to start with the water and add the plaster. At first you will have to guess at the amount but by any other method you are still guessing. Just DO NOT PUT the extra down the drain. I do not even rinse my buckets in the drain. Anyway, using a spoon or your hand add the plaster by sprinkling into the water. It will sink to the bottom. DO NOT STIR at any time during this process. Add plaster, add plaster. It will sink. DO NOT STIR. When all the water is gone it is a PERFECT mixture. Then you can stir if you want to but it is ready to pour into your desired area. As long as the plaster feels cold to the touch is is very fragile. It will heat up as it cures. When is is no longer warm or cold/wet is is stable enough to move about. And it will continue to harden as it ages out.

If as you are adding plaster you realize you have too much water, just tilt the bucket and remove some of the water and then add enough more dry plaster to finish absorbing the remaining water.

Thank you so much,Lyn!!!it sounds like you've had a lot of experience! Thank you for sharing