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Today’s guest post about waterproof yard art is by our friend Harry Rosen.
Harry often shares his work on the Daily Sculptors page, and they’re always a big hit. When I learned that he keeps them out in the garden I asked him to show us how he made them. He very kindly agreed.
Thanks, Harry!
My Outdoor Sculptures…
©2020 Harry Rosen
I start by deciding what I want to express and how to express it. In this case, I wanted a female enjoying the sunshine.
I start by drawing several rough sketches. I then design the armature I need.
I sketch the outlines on 1/2 inch thick insulation foam board and cut them out.
Then I loosely attach them to the armature with duct tape.
I add paper between the boards to get fullness, and often some moth balls to appease the Paper-Mache Gods. 🙂
Next I add some paper, foil or inexpensive foil pans to the outside to add shape.
Masking tape or hot glue works fine.
At this point arms are just cutout cardboard or foam-board taped on and the head is a modified plastic jug attached.
I add paper to the arms and skull. I then paper-mache the whole project using shop-towels with any paste slathered on both sides.
This gives a little strength and allows me to better assess the shape.
I then add details with paper-clay such as facial features, fingers and breasts.
Then I repaper the entire project with shop-towels slathered on both sides with a mix of water and FlexBond (sold in Home Depot, tile department).
Mix small batches because it thickens quickly.
Once dry I lightly sand and add paper-clay to further refine features. Then again I add another layer of water/FlexBond.
Once dry I again lightly sand and touch up any minor flaws with paper-clay or drywall compound.
Then I paint a primer all over and later an oil base paint to seal the surface.
Then I do final esthetic painting and seal with 2 coats of exterior Urethane.
I like to use spray “stone” paint as it hides minor flaws, however, it doesn’t holdup well outdoors unless heavily sealed by a clear coating.
Note that the base had several holes drilled thru, this was to stabilize against potential wind damage. Garden spikes are driven thru at different angles once on-site.
I’ve done several figures like this but it’s too early to determine their longevity. So far (several months) all are doing great.
This would be cool to make a flowerpot for the head and then grow like cascading flowers for the hair!!
I love that idea! 🙂
Great idea 🙂 🙂 🙂
What is in your shop paste? Can you please explain it or give me a brand name? Do you make it yourself? Is it wood glue?
LOVE THIS !!! I do paper mache but hesistate on outdoor work. Maybe I will attempt this. I will share my successes and failures so we can both learn.
These are terrific. I would like to give it a try. Can you tell me what ” shop towels” are please l have never heard this term.
I don’t know if Harry is still watching this post, but I can tell you that ‘shop towels’ are found in hardware and mechanic’s supply stores, and at Walmart around the tool or car parts section. They’re thicker than kitchen paper towels, and are often slightly stretchy. I hope that helps. 🙂
Shop towels are very thick paper towels. You can find them in Amazon or Autozone type store, maybe Walmart?
Yes, you can usually find them there, and they’re usually blue, for some reason. They used to be really stretchy, but that isn’t always true anymore.
Like your gutsy approach to making art. Inspiring!
Absolutely gorgeous! I want to try and make a sculpture for my yard
Nicely done. I’d like to know how well they hold up as well. I’m afraid they wouldn’t do too well over a Canadian winter or two.
This is absolutely brilliant!
I know this is an old post, but am curious how long she held up outside?
Also about the mothballs – what is their purpose?
Thanks!