I finished the last point cast this morning. I looked at possible methods of creating the background texture. I lloked at several grades of sand paper but was unable to find a suitable size grain and consistancy to the pattern. A sample or tungston paper for sanding down stone work, looked pretty effective. The problem is I needed to make a positive impression of the surface area. This wasnt possible due to the small amount of tungston paper available. (see sculpey impression below)

To make a more consistant pattern I decided to sculpt the surface myself. I began creating small sculpey 'dots' to be stuck in place around the letters (below). I will then coat them in watered down pva and a small amount of washing up liquid to make the glue wrap evenly over the dot shapes.

I also sanded down the lettering to a smooth finish as well as the center rings both internal and external edges.

Tomorrow I hope to sand down the backs of the points of the star as the resin was partially uneven but only minimally. I will then attatch them to the center ring. I also need to apply the background texture and lettering. Once the master sculpt is complete I will then put forward a mould plan and then if its signed off pour silicon to be setting over the weekend.

Still alot of research to do...