Chalkware from Vintage Chocolate Molds

vintage chocolate molds

My interest in chocolate molds and chalkware started several years ago when my girlfriend gave me an old mold for Christmas.  After receiving my first mold I became fascinated with using it to make chalkware.

From there my collection grew and I snapped up all molds that I could find. (within my budget, I might add)  I mostly acquired Santas, but then that expanded to Easter and Halloween.

The process of making chalkware is very simple. I use plaster of paris.  Some people use different mediums and even use dental plaster.

I decided that I would use plain old plaster, kind of in keeping with how they were made years ago.

I lightly coat the inside of the mold with cooking spray,(I use Pam) Once the inside is coated I put the mold together and use masking tape to seal the edges, then I use the mold clamps for a nice tight fit and less leakage of the plaster.

The plaster is then mixed and poured into the mold, as I pour, I try to tap out any air bubbles. The filled mold is then set aside until the plaster cures anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. When it is ready to be removed I take off all the clamps and tape then gently separate the 2 sides. I trim the bottom immediately while the plaster is still a little soft. Sometimes I trim the seams and smooth out the rough edges at the same time.

Once this is all done I set them aside to let them dry completely. (at least 24 hours, maybe longer depending on the size)

Finally when they are all dry I begin to paint them. For some reason I start with the faces. I think I just like having the faces done so their personality comes out at the beginning. I use old postcards and old images for some of my ideas on decorating my Santas. I love the old fashioned Santas partly for all the different colors, not just the usual red coats. To finish, I coat my chalkware with a matte finish.

Sometimes they are holding a little pine sprig or feather tree, some of them get a sprinkling of mica or glitter.  You can decorate however you would like, as little or as much as strikes your fancy.

The following sites are a couple of my favorites and have molds and painted chalkware;

http://bayberryfolkart.com/historyofchalkware.aspx

http://www.victorianchocolatemolds.com/

finished chalkware

( jj )