Paper mache figures have been popping up all ver the place, like RH Baby, Anthro and World Market. Sometimes they're affordable, while others times, well...not-so-much. But you can actually personalize your own paper mache animals with just a few materials and a little bit of time.
I found this post from a super amazing paper mache blog, and I followed the tutorial to the T. The thing is, these are paper mache animals constructed from scratch. So you'll want to make this paper mache clay instead of your more traditional option: starting with a bunch of newspaper twisted into a animal shape and then paper mache wrapped around it. The clay is the bomb and your only limitation is your ability to to sculpt the shape you want.
Materials:
- 1 1/4 cups Cheap toilet paper (measure the wet paper pulp)
- 1 cup Joint Premixed Compound
- 3/4 cup Elmer’s Glue-all (PVA glue)
- 1/2 cup White Flour
- 2 tablespoons Linseed Oil or Mineral Oil (vegetable oil can be used, too, if you want)
Finally, I wanted the look of World Market's paper mached animal. So after the body was finished, I used some traditional paper mache paste and wrapped a little newspaper around the outside of my little giraffe.
Isn't he a cute little guy? I think it looks pretty darn close to the original, as well. What do you think? I'd still love to try and make a bust like the RH paper mache figures. I think the tutorial would be exactly the same, it's worth a try.
Your giraffe is precious and so refreshing! I'd gladly display him in my home! I've never been a fan of animal heads, antlers or horns hung on the wall, I wish that trend would go away, never to be thought of again. I think that's why I liked your giraffe so much, he is special, out of the ordinary. Thanks also for introducing me to the great paper mache blog. I haven't done paper mache in about 10 years, it's time to get back to it. Good luck at Weatherwood and have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you Miss Judy! I'm always tickled pink when someone likes what I do and I'm thrilled you like that blog. You'll have to try your hand at paper mache again, I can't wait to find out what you make!! :D
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Hi Becca,
ReplyDeleteI like your giraffe better! He's so cute. I haven't tried paper mache since school many years ago. I enjoy lots of different crafts, I gonna give this a try. I also want to check out the paper mache blog, thanks for sharing! Enjoy Weatherwood!
~Kim
Thank you so much Kim! It was such a fun (and messy) little project. Thanks for sharing some comment love! xo
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