Hi I was wanting to make life size bust of my big ole head. I was thinking of makeing it with plaster of paris. I have never done this before what would be a better route to do this.
1. Just make a face then put on a ballon that is my same shape and size of head and the plaster?.
2. Make enough to do a full head with plaster of paris ( do you do both halves at 10 mins apart with like marble's deviding acutally i have no idea how to do this would like to learn. )

There is actually a kit available with all of the materials you need to create a 3D portrait/bust molded from a real person's head:

http://www.artmolds.com/index.cfm?u_cat=7

Post a photo of the results when you are done, it would be interesting to see!

Here are the steps:

Though we do suggest some lifecasting practice before you take on this advanced project, none-the-less, with care, satisfactory results can be achieved even for a first timer.

The procedure is similar to the Face Casting Kit. However, in this instance the entire head is covered with two layers of MoldGel. Mohair fiber is embedded in the second layer. Then a shell of plaster bandages is applied to the front of the head ending at the ears. The edge of the shell is coated with petroleum jelly and the back half of the shell is applied overlapping on to the petroleum jelly. Once dray the two bandage halves are removed. A zigzag seam is then made down the back of the head so that the MoldGel mold can be removed.

When the MoldGel mold is removed it is carefully placed back into the two halves of the bandage mold. The bandage mold is held together by duct tape and readied for casting. A face coat of CastRite is painted into the mold with special care to insure that the nose and ears are well coated. A second backup coat of CastRite is applied followed by a third coat of CastRite reinforced with chopped fiber glass. When the CastRite is dried the mold is removed. The finished cast is cleaned up and is readied for display.