To create a mold for each symbol, I wrapped plaster guaze around my left hand as it was positioned in a sign language letter.  When the guaze dried, I slipped scissors between the guaze and my skin and made a cut in the mold so that I could wriggle my hand out of the cast.  Then, I used additional plaster guaze to mend the seam in the cast that was cut in order to free my hand.  Then, I poured liquid plaster into the hardened guaze mold.  When the plaster inside dried, I ripped off the guaze mold that held the liquid plaster as it dried.  Finally, I painted the pieces.