dog paw print - casting a metal paperweight

[kia cat]

Have done a plaster cast of hound's paw print, would like a more permanent cast. Would melting some old solder [outside] work just as well? Using fine damp sand as a medium, a wooden frame to contain it till it sets. Or is there another solution

[Graham-W]

I've no real suggestion except not to use damp sand. The water in the sand would boil ferociously and explode molten solder all over the place.

[heathfield]

there's a stuff called 'Bendalloy' that looks like a block of solder, but has the advantage of melting at only 70�C. It's heavy enough to be suitable for a paperweight, but you might find it marks paper, just as solder will. Sticking a bit of baize cloth, or leather, on the base would get round that.