While the craft of plaster-casting dates at least 3000 years, it is enjoying a revival as an innovative contemporary art form. This fully-illustrated guide is an introduction to this inexpensive and easy-to-use medium. It includes a variety of techniques, each clearly explained in photographic step-by-step sequences. It also offers advice and guidance on a host of finishing techniques from painting and gilding, to weathering and varnishing. The book includes ornamental as well as practical designs such as shells, masks, candleholders and frames.