Separate the mold, check for dust and foreign matter, dust if necessary and put the mold back together, matching mold keys, and secure with rubber bands or straps.

Mold is ready to cast. Use a pouring container that will hold more than enough slip to fill the mold. Stir slip with a wooden spoon or dowel for a smooth flow, being careful not to work in air bubbles. Pour slip into mold slowly, steadily and evenly, filling the mold to the top of the hole.

The plaster mold absorbs the water in the slip, thus forming a hard clay shell next to the mold. Keep the mold pour hole full until desired thickness is obtained. Cut a notch to determine the thickness of the clay shell, which should be approximately 1/4" for average-sized pieces.

When desired thickness is obtained, slowly drain excess slip from mold. When all slip has drained from one pour hole, continue the procedure with any additional pour holes. After draining, let the mold set until the slip becomes leather-hard clay. The time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the mold.

When clay is leather-hard, remove any excess from the outside of the mold and from the pour hole unless otherwise directed by marks on the mold. Insert the blade of the trim knife between the mold wall and the clay in the pour hole. Trim away and remove excess clay.

Remove bands or strap carefully. Carefully life the top half of the mold straight up. If the top does not release easily, let it stand for a few more minutes.

Do not remove the piece from the mold until it is firm enough to support its own weight. Handle the piece with care when removing it from the mold. It will be soft and its shape can be distorted. If the greenware is difficult to remove from the mold, gently tap around the ends of the mold with a rubber hammer.

When the piece is loose, gently tilt the mold forward and allow the piece to fall into your hand. If the piece has attachments, join them shortly after removing them from the mold. Attach pieces with casting slip when the clay if leather-hard. Carefully place the cast piece in a safe, dry place. Place delicate and footed item on a bed of shredded paper to dry.