A lovely day! Thanks for coming out!
Here are the hyper-tufa casting instructions: Mix equal parts cement, vermiculite and sifted peat moss. Wear mask and try to do this outside.
Mix just enough water into the mix so it has the consistency of oatmeal. “Pitty-patt” press the mix into the plaster face mold* gently but thoroughly. Support the molds’ nose. The 1st layer should be 1/4 thick, then fiberglas/burlap should be layered in. Cover with another 1/4 layer of the mix. Place the filled mold facing outward into a container that has been cut out to accommodate the face mold. Pack the mix into the container and all around the mold as before, leaving the the center hollow. Pack the interior with plastic & wet towels. Cover with plastic. It will need to be kept damp as it cures for 3 days.
To leach the cement chemicals from your planter, soak it in a 5 gallon bucket of water for a week, changing the water daily.
* To make a plaster face mold: thoroughly grease model’s face, remind them not to open their eyes and to remain still throughout the process. Apply plaster strips dipped in water, overlap slightly. Do not cover the model’s nose! When dry, remove and plaster the nose holes, then re-grease the interior of the mold.