Here is a Rainbow trout female sculpture I completed about a year ago. It is no longer with me as it is with a new owner. The little dragonfly was purchased at Hobby Lobby in the floral section. I was able to create the hardshell coating by experimenting with a few ingredients. It was a challenge to make,but it all came out perfect. It was my first best sculpture. Lisa
I don’t know if you ever received my photo of my finished giraffe head sculpture. I had fun making this with cardboard and paper mache. It was sold to a very happy owner.
I love, love, love this giraffe head Lisa and it gives me ideas! (Makes my husband nervous! Ha!) You did a great job. What a fun thing to do. I always find these artist posts so inspiring. Be sure to show us your next project.
This is the doll head for a Bellatrix Lestrange doll I’m working on. The base is cold porcelain, and then I covered it in paper mache clay. The doll hair I bought was rather difficult to work with. It frizzes really easily. I’m hoping to find a better alternative.
If you guys are not Harry Potter fans, Bellatrix Lestrange is one of the evil characters. I’m always partial to villains–particularly females–at least in fantasy. In real life, I’m always for the good guys. 😉
Yes, for Bella, it worked out. I would have been in trouble if I had been making her sister Narcissa–for she has straight hair. That is why I am hoping I’ll be able to find a better alternative.
I have just started working with paperclay so I am still in the learning phase (as if an artist EVER stops learning!). Just discovered this website and have already learned a lot from all of you, especially Jonni.
I’m sure I will have lots of questions, but here are some that sprang to mind:
When you built the rhino you removed the armature. When you made the raven you did not. Was this because of the size/weight differential?
I love your lion garden medallion. How heavy did it end up? I am not familiar with Quickwall, but it looked quite light if it was concrete!
It might be impertinent of me to comment on your quest for a co-houser, but as a confirmed solitary myself, I think if you look for a roommate you have to be even more selective than if you were marrying them. Since you mention financial considerations I’d suggest you sell your work rather than your living quarters. I know you say you don’t make it to sell, but (as long as you don’t get trapped in commission slavery) it is a lot more pleasant than sharing a bathroom and kitchen. 🙂
Your work is wonderful, inspiring and original. Finding buyers will be no problem.
I’m going to try to attach a little practice piece I did for a friend. My first paperclay. The intent was “charm without kitsch”
Hi Annie. I love the dog – he looks like he’s having a lot of fun.
I removed the armature from my rhino because it was made mostly out of wet pottery clay, and it weighed a ton. Without the clay and the paper and the foam the armature was made out of, it now weighs about 13 pounds. The raven’s armature was made with just paper strips and paste, except for the little bit of clay that I used on the beak, I think. That got removed, but there wasn’t much point in taking him apart to take out the paper. Most of my animal sculptures have the cardboard pattern and paper inside – I actually like the extra weight the armatures give to the piece, because they feel more substantial.
The lion weighs about 5 pounds. It wouldn’t have hurt to make it heavier, but it does seem strong enough for my purposes. You couldn’t make a stepping stone that thin, of course, but the lion worked pretty good. Did you see Julie’s concrete cougar?
I’ve noticed that everyone who commented on my co-housing question said that living alone would be better. I tend to agree, but now I’m wondering if paper mache artists are loners by nature? Lots of people can’t bear the thought of rummaging around in a house by themselves, but I think it’s nice – although with a house with two empty bedrooms, I feel a bit selfish, if there happens to be someone out there who needs a place to live and can’t afford to rent a whole house. Still, silence is really nice. 🙂
I can’t wait to see your second and third paperclay sculptures!
I was telling my friend about you thinking of sharing a house with someone. She said the best way to decide if you want to live with someone is to travel with them and see how they treat people and deal with unexpected situations. I thought that was sound advise so I’m sending her recommendation.
Julie this is very sound advice. I would be a little uneasy about having a stranger move in my home. Jonni you are so kind and nice wanting to share your home with someone. What about having a B&B ( bed and breakfast), You would be sharing your home. Your visitors could meet a very interesting person. You get to decide when they stay and how long ( a weekend or maybe a season for travelers). And you would get to share your home and unique talent.
Yes, I liked Julie’s idea. I don’t do much traveling, though. And I’m way too antisocial to do a B&B, although it’s always been a rather intriguing idea. I think I might be more of a room and board kind of person, but I don’t think people do that anymore.
Hi Jonni, I love your posts and videos. I have purchased two of your books and have found them both excellent for the beginning art experimenter. I made a bobcat inspired by the wild bobcat kittens my friend had in her backyard. Your detailed instuction in the books about how to make armatures…..made the process fun and enjoyable. Thanks so much. Kathleen
Careful Kathleen….paper mache is very addicting…lol. This is a very satisfying art form and great on a budget. Your bobcat is absolutely great…..and this is your first sculpture???? Awe……some! Do you have any picture of your friends backyard bob cat kittens?
Thanks everyone. And, Tammy, this is actually my second sculpture, my first was a rabbit. It is my first cat though. And yes, at this point I am hooked. I have attached one of the photos of the bobcat.
Hallo Jonni, Grüsse aus Deutschland! ich freu mich, ich verstehe kein Wort, aber ich sehe, was deine Hände machen. Ich erinnere mich. Als Kinder machten wir Puppenköpfe selbst für das Kasperletheater. Kennst du das? Die Puppen werden auf die Hand gesteckt und gespielt. Wir haben die Köpfe geformt aus Kinderknete, mit Zeitungsschnipsel beklebt (eingeweicht in Tapetenleim) und getrocknet. Wenige Lagen. Dann habe wir sie aufgeschnitten, vom Hinterkopf über die Nase und die Kinderknete entfernt. Dann wieder zusammensetzen und mit einige Lagen Zeitungspapier bekleben. Nun wird der Kopf fertig modelliert und bemalt. Dafür eignet sich dein paper clay sehr gut. Ich zeige ein Beispiel für Kasperpuppen, aber die sind nicht selbst gemacht. Du hast mich inspiriert, danke!
translated with google: Hello Jonni, greetings from Germany! I’m glad I do not understand a word, but I see what your hands make. I remember. As children we made Kasper-doll heads, even for the Kasper-puppet theater. Do you know that? The dolls are plugged and played on the hand. We have the heads molded from plasticine, with newspaper clippings pasted (soaked in wallpaper paste) and dried. Few layers. Then we have cut them from the back of the head through the nose and removed the modeling clay. Then put back together and wrapping with several layers of newspaper. Now the head finish modeled and painted. Your paper clay is very good for it. the head is very lightweight. I show an example of Kasper-puppets, but they are not self-made. You inspired me, thank you!
Hi Dunja! I had not seen the Kasper-puppets before, but they look like a lot of fun. I can imagine children playing with them, making up stories, retelling the traditional stories — Do you happen to know of a website that shows more about how they’re made and some of the traditional stories that go with them? I would love to learn more.
According to Google, I just said: Hallo Dunja! Ich hatte nicht die Kasper-Puppen gesehen, aber sie sehen aus wie eine Menge Spaß. Ich kann mir vorstellen Kinder mit ihnen spielen, Geschichten erfinden, Nacherzählung die traditionellen Geschichten – Haben Sie zufällig von einer Website, die mehr darüber, wie sie gemacht sind und einige der traditionellen Geschichten, die mit ihnen zu gehen zeigt das wissen? Ich würde gerne mehr erfahren.
Hallo Jonni, nein, damit spielen keine Kinder ( Ja grössere Kinder können mitspielen). Es ist ein kleines Theater, in dem für Kinder (und/oder auch Erwachsene) Stücke gepielt werden. Es geht immer um gut und böse, Liebe und Streit, arm und reich, auch um Freundschaft. Und das Gute gewinnt in der Theaterstücken für Kinder immer. Traditionell beginnt so ein Stück immer mit: tri tra trallala – Kasperle ist wieder da. Das wird gesungen. auch die Frage an die Zuschauer: Seid ihr alle da? Guck in you tube unter: Kasperletheater, da findest du Beispiele. zum Beispiel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHCa_hp9YFY Das Theater selbst kann sehr klein sein, eine Wand mit einem Vorhang reicht schon. Bilder hier: https://www.google.de/search?hl=de&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=593&q=kasperltheater+puppen&oq=Kaspertheater&gs_l=img.1.5.0l2j0i10j0i24l2j0i10i24l2j0i24j0i10i24l2.2740.10672.0.16112.17.14.2.1.2.0.198.1574.7j7.14.0….0…1ac.1.25.img..0.17.1607.0c_cNaeMMeU Man kann es auch kaufen: https://www.google.de/#bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=8bc1980c412ba5d3&q=Kasperletheater Das ist aber alles auf Deutsch. Man zieht die Puppe über die Hand. Der Kopf sitzt auf dem Zeigefinger, die Arme stecken auf Daumen und Mittelfinger. Den Puppenspieler sieht man nicht, nur die Puppe ist zu sehen. Sollen mehrere Puppen spielen, dann braucht man mehrere Leute. Die Kinder sehen zu und werden immer wieder in das Spiel einbezogen. Mitsingen, nach dem Kasper rufen, usw. Ich erstelle dir eine Anleitung (Zeichnungen), wie das mit den Puppen geht. Etwas Geduld bitte. Alles macht sehr viel Spass. :)) Liebe Grüsse!
Hi Jonni, no, no children play with it (yes bigger kids can play). It is a small theater that played one in which children (and / or adults) pieces. It’s all about good and evil, love and strife, poor and rich, even to friendship. And the good always wins in the theater for children. Traditionally a piece begins as always with: tri tra trallala – Kasperle is back! This is sung. the question to the audience: Are you all there? Look below in you tube: Punch and Judy, as you can see examples. see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHCa_hp9YFY The theater itself may be very small, a wall with a curtain enough already. Profis have a big theater. Pictures here: https://www.google.de/search?hl=de&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=593&q=kasperltheater+puppen&oq=Kaspertheater& One can also buy: https://www.google.de/ # bav = on.2, or.r_qf. & q = & fp = 8bc1980c412ba5d3 Kasperletheater But that is all in German. Pulling the puppet on the hand. The head sits on the index finger, arms stuck on the thumb and middle finger. The puppeteer is not seen, only the doll is seen. To play several dolls, then you need more people. The children see and to be always involved in the game. Sing, call after Kasper, etc. I will create you a manual (drawings), how to do with the dolls. Please be patient. Everything makes a lot of fun. :)) Best greetings! Dunja (in facebook: Dunja Nele Richter (DU N. RI)
ah, i forgot: you need a friend from Kasper: Seppel, and the grandma from Kasper more: The imagination knows no limits! (Kasper=Kasperl=Kasperle)
Dunja, now that you’ve gathered all this information together for us, would you be interested in writing a guest post for the blog? More people would see the puppetheads if they appeared on a post of your own. If you’re interested, just send your post in an email, and let me know if there are any additional photos you’d like to include that you haven’t already shown us. I’m getting quite excited about making some of these puppet heads, and it would be a wonderful project for older kids. Maybe we would use the puppet heads for “American” stories – I’ve always been drawn to Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox – that would be a great story for these tiny puppets!
Oh, why not! But I’ve never written in a blog, I have not. And have all just in my head. I would have to prepare. Where should I write?
Great! Just write your post and send it as an email, using this form. I’ll transfer it over to the blog, and I’ll let you know when the post is online. This will be fun!
Well, I’ll do it. Please wait a few days. Yikes, I’m very excited! laughing! 🙂
Oh – how nice! It’s good to meet you, Dunja! I’ll be patient, and wait for your post.
Hi Dunja,
maybe I can help out with translation for your guest post, if you’d like! Jonni, I’m sorry, but I can hardly read the posts since the new formate :-(. It’s soooo small!
Hi Dunja, vielleicht kann ich dir ja beim Ãœbersetzen helfen, wenn du einen Gastbeitrag machst?! Danke für den lieben Gästebucheintrag! Hat mir heute den Tag gerettet! 🙂
Hi Irini. Do you mean the words are showing up smaller than they used to? In Firefox, you can click on the View link at the very top of your window, and choose Zoom > Zoom in. Does that help? Or are you viewing the site on a mobile device? Is the home page the one that’s hard to read, or all the posts? (I don’t have a smart phone, so I can’t test it).
Für Irini: Danke für das schöne Angebot. Ich schick dir mal eine deutsche Fassung und dazu meine Übersetzung. Lach, die ist gruselig, denke ich. Auf die ciao4-adresse.
These remind me of the puppets I used to watch on Mr. Rogers. Anybody remember those? Of course, I always thought the trolley was the real scene stealer.
google-translator: Hi Jonni, I’m happy! Greetings from Germany! I’m also a grandmother. I see your video and remember my childhood. I do not understand a word, but my eyes see what your hands make. Yes, I also know, I remember. I want to give you a pulse: Do you know puppet theater? This is very popular in Germany, for that you need dolls that are placed on the hand. The heads of this we have made ??at home with paper mache. Only slightly different. We used Modeling clay for children use them to play. The head is shaped (roughly). He is covered with newspaper, which has previously been torn to pieces and soaked in wallpaper paste (cellglue). This can be in several layers, then dry. Is it dry, the heads are cut in half, cut through the back of the head and nose. The clay is removed. Then placed the head back together with some layers of newspaper. Now he is finally formed. Your paperclay sound is excellent for it. For the puppet theater, there are some basic figures: Kasper (the good, clever fool), Gretel (friend of Kaspar), the evil devil, the magician, the Princess, the King, the policeman, the crocodile. Of course this can be extended, depending on the story that is to be played. You inspired me, thank you! (This picture is a example, no puppets from me)
This is so cute. Did you take any progress photos? If this is beginner work then you do have a lot of talent. I can’t wait to see what other work you come out with.
He is cute and very fanciful. I agree with Christine- what a marvelous first piece- you have a ton of talent! I am curious as to how you achieved the white fluffy body parts. Is that also paper mache?
Thank you for all the kind comments. I am sorry for the delay in responding to your questions. Life just happens sometimes.
I call him a “Chick Magnate”. It stands 33 inches tall including the top hat. He is modeled loosely after the 1908 Saturday Evening Post New Years Cover. He is Constructed of Paper Mache strips and clay, ( not Jonni’s, but something close to it). The engineering challenge was the balance problem created by the one leg stance. This was solved by using two recycled treaded lamp rods (visible in one of the progress pics.. Looks like a Skesis at this point!) They are joined by a nut that helps define the bird’s knee and the top rod extends almost to the shoulder for added stability. He was fleshed out using tape, newsprint and foil and wire to support the long beak. Larger wings are cut from a diet coke box. The top hat is constructed from junk mail.
It is covered in different textures of paper mache clay for definition of the different feathers. The legs are wrapped in cloth clay and the claws are fashion from loctite epoxy putty. The vest is the new Jonni clay which was a miss.My fault I am sure. I tossed it in a moment of frustration, but I will certainly try another batch once my gram scale arrives. Here are the progress pic you requested. Sorry for the quality. Karen
Hi Karen. You mentioned progress photos, but they didn’t come through. Is it possible that they were too large for the system to handle? I would love to see them, and I know everyone else would, too.
Another progress photo before the painting process.
After painting.
Progress photo with hat added.
And the final photo is a side view of the completed sculpture.
Great photos, Karen! It’s so much fun seeing this sculptures came to life – especially since you ran into an obvious problem, (balancing this fellow on one leg), and you came up with a perfect solution. And thanks so much for giving the upload doohickey another try – and for sharing these great progress photos.
A new one I am working on. Still not quite finished.
Jose, Exquisite work as always! I can only dream of ever creating sculpts like this. Do you make molds for these and do you sell them? Really Jose you are very gifted and I love seeing your work up here. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I did several things differently with Yoda. Your new air dry recipe intrigued me into wondering if the paper mache clay recipe could be made smoother. I experimented by substituting the flour with cornstarch (same amount). It did make the sculpture much smoother and lighter in weight (though just as sturdy), but it was a little out of control. It isn’t good for detail work, but I think I’ll use it for the final coat of paper mache clay to smooth things out. It also was a purer white and took acrylic paint much better. It has a consistency like buttercream frosting on a hot day.
I also used duct tape on the supportive skeleton, and I really liked how that worked out.
Also something I did differently was the hair. It is fiberfill. Of course, I think it did absorb the smell of the clear coat more–and Yoda had to stay in the storage room with the litter box for two days until the smell went away. My mom complained it was making her stoned, but it seemed to me that Yoda’s face scrunched up more in the storage room. Our cat really stinks despite changing his litter daily!
I have been making Jonni’s pm clay for a year now and the air-dry clay since she introduced it. Last week I went out and bought a mixer (instead of using my food processor machine) and watched her video 4 times. I was particularly intrigued by her closing shot holding the clay in her hand (like it was clay!) and pinching a bit of it into a fold. Then I began making batches of clay. The first batch was air-dry clay and I don’t believe it could have been more smooth. I have a friend who makes dolls (the porcelain type) and the clay I made was easily as smooth as her dolls. My point is that after a year of making clay, I finally made a batch that I don’t think could be better. I love Yoda, and I think a smoother clay would help with the project. I’m going to post a comment on the clay site, an apology, if you will!
I go away for a little while and come back to some great artwork!
I’m very proud of this project. I consider my best work so far! It is Master Yoda from Star Wars, specifically from The Empire Strikes Back…when Luke first meets him on Dagobah.
Thank you! I actually was going for a particular expression I had seen in the movie. He looked both amused and sad at the same time. I think it was when Luke was talking about how he was looking for a great warrior. However, I wound up accidentally reversing the smile. The lower part was actually on the left (when staring at him face-on) and the higher was on the right.
I had a problem with the mouth because initially he looked like a stroke victim. I know it sounds silly, but my mom and I actually had a discussion about whether the Star Wars puppeteers had meant for Yoda to have a weakness on one side as if he had had a stroke (or perhaps something in the puppet hadn’t fully worked).
While making a pm gargoyle last year I got hung up in my research on them. So interesting. One piece of info I came across stated that gargoyles in the cathedrals had the job to scare away evil spirits from entering. Seems to me they were an excellent advertisement for the church. Funny.
Hi Jonni, just thought I would have a brag and show a giraffe that I made then put in our local gallery, and woohooo it sold, (I must admit did put in in cheap, but better sold than sitting at my place). I was not really happy with it, but then when are we ever. I hope you are doing well with making for your exhibition, I am having one with another person I got hooked on your site, but thankfully not till late next year, so a lot of time to get things made that I am happy with.
Hello everyone, Jonni asked me to post about my giraffe in here.
I was recently asked to be a guest designer on a craft blog in the UK, using their products. I wanted to come up with unusual ways to use their paints,waxes and rubber stamps.
I totally adore giraffes and for a while now have been wanting to make one, not being able to afford the many many packets of air dry clay was holding me back, therefore when i found Jonni’s recipes I was delighted.
So I made my giraffe, used the clay, and decorated him. The company whose blog he went onto even ran a ‘name the giraffe competition’ . He ended up being called Colin, and is now residing in my livingroom.
If you would like to see how I made and decorated him then you can see the whole post on the PaperArtsy blog.
Darcy, I saw the two videos that you posted and what an innovative idea you had. I absolutely loved the tissue process you used. This should give many crafters who regularly use this site some great ideas of using wire mesh as an armature. that giraffe turned out gorgeous.
Darcy, I am in love. He is so cute. I have had a photo of giraffes on my wall for about 40 years. Maybe the time will come when I can try and make one. This is just great. Intimidating, but great. Thanks.
I posed a question earlier today to Jonni after searching through the site and not finding the answer on my own. Although she didn’t have the answer to my questions, she thought that maybe one of you may. So here I am posing the question to all of you.
A few weeks ago I picked up some cork tile that I plan to place on a board foundation (it has a sticky/adhesive backing.) It is the type of cork board used in offices for pinning notes up. I plan to adhere all four to the center of my foundation and create a “frame” around the outside. The “frame” will be made out of paper mache and air dry clay. (I keep using quotations around the word frame because I am not actually making a frame in the traditional sense of the word. I will actually be making what will look like a scene going on around the frame. For instance, in the lower left hand corner there will be a 15th century English Naval ship. I will be including some barrels on the deck of the ship which will serve the purpose of holding the tacks for the cork board. I will also be stringing masts as well.)
The question is: I know cork is a natural material that is quite absorbent and with that in mind, if the air dry clay and paper mache overlap (which it will on the corners and edges at some locations) will it cause it to dry improperly firstly? (Would it cause my project to crack and break from expansion of the cork or is there enough room in the cork itself to allow for that? — My boyfriend says this is where my nerdiness starts to come out.) Secondly, will the cork hold in the moisture to the point of causing it to mold? Would it just be better or safer to just treat the cork in the areas that will get covered with a polyurethane or might that just be an unneeded step?
Any experience with using cork and paper mache and/or air dry clay would be really great. I do know that there is cork clay on the market and that it is used as a burn off clay while using PMC and other kiln clay processes, but I have no experience using straight cork with wet clays.
This will probably not be much of an answer but have you considered building a traditional frame out of your paper mache with a steeped in rear to accommodate the cork after the paper mache dries? That to me would solve your perceived problems. Maybe a waxed wood square as the base so the frame could easily “pop” out and thoroughly dry? Then install the cork as it were a picture to be framed? Just thinking out of the box here. Hope it helps.
Carol, Thank you so much for your response! I am sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. My sewing machine broke down in the middle of a plushie project (My boyfriend calls me “decisively indecisive” when it comes to my arts/crafts as I can not nail down just one that I like to do over another.) So even though I have spent the last 2 days trying to find a new sewing machine – you guessed it, I can’t make up my mind on which to buy.
Anyway, your idea on actually doing the frame itself as an actual frame is a consideration I had not thought of. It is a quite simple idea really and now that you brought it up I am sitting here thinking to myself thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Then when you mentioned the waxed wood square…. Although I have never heard of doing something like that, I do have TONS of waxed butcher style paper and I wonder if maybe covering my cork with it would work and then popping it out to allow it to dry. I will test that! 🙂 If that does not work ( and just so I don’t have to come back and bug you again lol ) have you done a waxed wood block before? Where would I find something like that? Or even how would I make something like that. I assume I would need to use something like paraffin wax or maybe Beeswax. I would certainly be interested to know how I would do that at any rate!
Thanks again for your suggestions! It is always great to have a fresh set of eyes to look at a project. ~Chelsea
Love your new website format! Haven’t been here in awhile, but wanted to show you how I’ve used your newer mache’ recipe. It was a bit sticky but I know I left too much water in it and am anxious to make another batch. This worked great and took detail quite well. He’s not exactly scale but I’m aiming for a long legged ride with an attitude for a long legged Santa! LOL! Will send another pic when I finish. Thanks, Jonni for all you share!
What character – he looks happy and ready for just about anything. I love it.
And I’m glad you like the new format. I’m trying to get up to speed for folks who read the blog on smart phones and iPads. Still a lot of work to do, of course…
I can’t wait to see the sculpture after Santa gets on for a ride!
HI Jonni,
Here is a Rainbow trout female sculpture I completed about a year ago. It is no longer with me as it is with a new owner. The little dragonfly was purchased at Hobby Lobby in the floral section. I was able to create the hardshell coating by experimenting with a few ingredients. It was a challenge to make,but it all came out perfect. It was my first best sculpture. Lisa
Very nice, Lisa! Thanks for showing her to us.
Thank you. I have more sculptures in the making.
Hi Jonni,
I don’t know if you ever received my photo of my finished giraffe head sculpture. I had fun making this with cardboard and paper mache. It was sold to a very happy owner.
I love, love, love this giraffe head Lisa and it gives me ideas! (Makes my husband nervous! Ha!) You did a great job. What a fun thing to do. I always find these artist posts so inspiring. Be sure to show us your next project.
This is the doll head for a Bellatrix Lestrange doll I’m working on. The base is cold porcelain, and then I covered it in paper mache clay. The doll hair I bought was rather difficult to work with. It frizzes really easily. I’m hoping to find a better alternative.
If you guys are not Harry Potter fans, Bellatrix Lestrange is one of the evil characters. I’m always partial to villains–particularly females–at least in fantasy. In real life, I’m always for the good guys. 😉
Very interesting! It looks like the frizz was exactly what you need for that character’s hair.
Yes, for Bella, it worked out. I would have been in trouble if I had been making her sister Narcissa–for she has straight hair. That is why I am hoping I’ll be able to find a better alternative.
I love the playful pose or this pup. What a gorgeous piece. I h ope to see many more of your work.
I have just started working with paperclay so I am still in the learning phase (as if an artist EVER stops learning!). Just discovered this website and have already learned a lot from all of you, especially Jonni.
I’m sure I will have lots of questions, but here are some that sprang to mind:
When you built the rhino you removed the armature. When you made the raven you did not. Was this because of the size/weight differential?
I love your lion garden medallion. How heavy did it end up? I am not familiar with Quickwall, but it looked quite light if it was concrete!
It might be impertinent of me to comment on your quest for a co-houser, but as a confirmed solitary myself, I think if you look for a roommate you have to be even more selective than if you were marrying them. Since you mention financial considerations I’d suggest you sell your work rather than your living quarters. I know you say you don’t make it to sell, but (as long as you don’t get trapped in commission slavery) it is a lot more pleasant than sharing a bathroom and kitchen. 🙂
Your work is wonderful, inspiring and original. Finding buyers will be no problem.
I’m going to try to attach a little practice piece I did for a friend. My first paperclay. The intent was “charm without kitsch”
Ain’t he SWEET! Gorgeos work!!!!! I love him! What’s his size?
Hi Annie,
Your sculpture is delightful. Good job!
Annie your sculpture is just darling. Love the attitude. What size is it?
Hi Annie. I love the dog – he looks like he’s having a lot of fun.
I removed the armature from my rhino because it was made mostly out of wet pottery clay, and it weighed a ton. Without the clay and the paper and the foam the armature was made out of, it now weighs about 13 pounds. The raven’s armature was made with just paper strips and paste, except for the little bit of clay that I used on the beak, I think. That got removed, but there wasn’t much point in taking him apart to take out the paper. Most of my animal sculptures have the cardboard pattern and paper inside – I actually like the extra weight the armatures give to the piece, because they feel more substantial.
The lion weighs about 5 pounds. It wouldn’t have hurt to make it heavier, but it does seem strong enough for my purposes. You couldn’t make a stepping stone that thin, of course, but the lion worked pretty good. Did you see Julie’s concrete cougar?
I’ve noticed that everyone who commented on my co-housing question said that living alone would be better. I tend to agree, but now I’m wondering if paper mache artists are loners by nature? Lots of people can’t bear the thought of rummaging around in a house by themselves, but I think it’s nice – although with a house with two empty bedrooms, I feel a bit selfish, if there happens to be someone out there who needs a place to live and can’t afford to rent a whole house. Still, silence is really nice. 🙂
I can’t wait to see your second and third paperclay sculptures!
I was telling my friend about you thinking of sharing a house with someone. She said the best way to decide if you want to live with someone is to travel with them and see how they treat people and deal with unexpected situations. I thought that was sound advise so I’m sending her recommendation.
Julie this is very sound advice. I would be a little uneasy about having a stranger move in my home. Jonni you are so kind and nice wanting to share your home with someone. What about having a B&B ( bed and breakfast), You would be sharing your home. Your visitors could meet a very interesting person. You get to decide when they stay and how long ( a weekend or maybe a season for travelers). And you would get to share your home and unique talent.
Yes, I liked Julie’s idea. I don’t do much traveling, though. And I’m way too antisocial to do a B&B, although it’s always been a rather intriguing idea. I think I might be more of a room and board kind of person, but I don’t think people do that anymore.
You captured the playfulness of the dog perfectly!
What a sweet looking dog! He turned out really well!
Cute playful pup. Love it.
Bobcat photo
It turned out really nice, Kathleen. Thanks for showing him to us. And I’m glad you liked the books.
How CUTE!
I love the bobcat Kathleen. I love animal sculptures.
Hi Jonni,
I love your posts and videos. I have purchased two of your books and have found them both excellent for the beginning art experimenter.
I made a bobcat inspired by the wild bobcat kittens my friend had in her backyard. Your detailed instuction in the books about how to make armatures…..made the process fun and enjoyable. Thanks so much.
Kathleen
Careful Kathleen….paper mache is very addicting…lol. This is a very satisfying art form and great on a budget. Your bobcat is absolutely great…..and this is your first sculpture???? Awe……some! Do you have any picture of your friends backyard bob cat kittens?
Thanks everyone. And, Tammy, this is actually my second sculpture, my first was a rabbit. It is my first cat though. And yes, at this point I am hooked. I have attached one of the photos of the bobcat.
Wow what a beauty..lucky friend to get to watch these guys in her back yard.
Hallo Jonni, Grüsse aus Deutschland! ich freu mich, ich verstehe kein Wort, aber ich sehe, was deine Hände machen. Ich erinnere mich. Als Kinder machten wir Puppenköpfe selbst für das Kasperletheater. Kennst du das? Die Puppen werden auf die Hand gesteckt und gespielt. Wir haben die Köpfe geformt aus Kinderknete, mit Zeitungsschnipsel beklebt (eingeweicht in Tapetenleim) und getrocknet. Wenige Lagen. Dann habe wir sie aufgeschnitten, vom Hinterkopf über die Nase und die Kinderknete entfernt. Dann wieder zusammensetzen und mit einige Lagen Zeitungspapier bekleben. Nun wird der Kopf fertig modelliert und bemalt. Dafür eignet sich dein paper clay sehr gut.
Ich zeige ein Beispiel für Kasperpuppen, aber die sind nicht selbst gemacht.
Du hast mich inspiriert, danke!
translated with google:
Hello Jonni, greetings from Germany! I’m glad I do not understand a word, but I see what your hands make. I remember. As children we made Kasper-doll heads, even for the Kasper-puppet theater. Do you know that? The dolls are plugged and played on the hand. We have the heads molded from plasticine, with newspaper clippings pasted (soaked in wallpaper paste) and dried. Few layers. Then we have cut them from the back of the head through the nose and removed the modeling clay. Then put back together and wrapping with several layers of newspaper. Now the head finish modeled and painted. Your paper clay is very good for it. the head is very lightweight.
I show an example of Kasper-puppets, but they are not self-made.
You inspired me, thank you!
Hi Dunja! I had not seen the Kasper-puppets before, but they look like a lot of fun. I can imagine children playing with them, making up stories, retelling the traditional stories — Do you happen to know of a website that shows more about how they’re made and some of the traditional stories that go with them? I would love to learn more.
According to Google, I just said: Hallo Dunja! Ich hatte nicht die Kasper-Puppen gesehen, aber sie sehen aus wie eine Menge Spaß. Ich kann mir vorstellen Kinder mit ihnen spielen, Geschichten erfinden, Nacherzählung die traditionellen Geschichten – Haben Sie zufällig von einer Website, die mehr darüber, wie sie gemacht sind und einige der traditionellen Geschichten, die mit ihnen zu gehen zeigt das wissen? Ich würde gerne mehr erfahren.
Hallo Jonni, nein, damit spielen keine Kinder ( Ja grössere Kinder können mitspielen). Es ist ein kleines Theater, in dem für Kinder (und/oder auch Erwachsene) Stücke gepielt werden. Es geht immer um gut und böse, Liebe und Streit, arm und reich, auch um Freundschaft. Und das Gute gewinnt in der Theaterstücken für Kinder immer. Traditionell beginnt so ein Stück immer mit:
tri tra trallala – Kasperle ist wieder da.
Das wird gesungen.
auch die Frage an die Zuschauer:
Seid ihr alle da?
Guck in you tube unter: Kasperletheater, da findest du Beispiele.
zum Beispiel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHCa_hp9YFY
Das Theater selbst kann sehr klein sein, eine Wand mit einem Vorhang reicht schon.
Bilder hier:
https://www.google.de/search?hl=de&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=593&q=kasperltheater+puppen&oq=Kaspertheater&gs_l=img.1.5.0l2j0i10j0i24l2j0i10i24l2j0i24j0i10i24l2.2740.10672.0.16112.17.14.2.1.2.0.198.1574.7j7.14.0….0…1ac.1.25.img..0.17.1607.0c_cNaeMMeU
Man kann es auch kaufen:
https://www.google.de/#bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=8bc1980c412ba5d3&q=Kasperletheater
Das ist aber alles auf Deutsch.
Man zieht die Puppe über die Hand. Der Kopf sitzt auf dem Zeigefinger, die Arme stecken auf Daumen und Mittelfinger. Den Puppenspieler sieht man nicht, nur die Puppe ist zu sehen. Sollen mehrere Puppen spielen, dann braucht man mehrere Leute. Die Kinder sehen zu und werden immer wieder in das Spiel einbezogen. Mitsingen, nach dem Kasper rufen, usw.
Ich erstelle dir eine Anleitung (Zeichnungen), wie das mit den Puppen geht. Etwas Geduld bitte.
Alles macht sehr viel Spass. :))
Liebe Grüsse!
Hi Jonni, no, no children play with it (yes bigger kids can play). It is a small theater that played one in which children (and / or adults) pieces. It’s all about good and evil, love and strife, poor and rich, even to friendship. And the good always wins in the theater for children. Traditionally a piece begins as always with:
tri tra trallala – Kasperle is back!
This is sung.
the question to the audience:
Are you all there?
Look below in you tube: Punch and Judy, as you can see examples.
see here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHCa_hp9YFY
The theater itself may be very small, a wall with a curtain enough already. Profis have a big theater.
Pictures here:
https://www.google.de/search?hl=de&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=593&q=kasperltheater+puppen&oq=Kaspertheater&
One can also buy:
https://www.google.de/ # bav = on.2, or.r_qf. & q = & fp = 8bc1980c412ba5d3 Kasperletheater
But that is all in German.
Pulling the puppet on the hand. The head sits on the index finger, arms stuck on the thumb and middle finger. The puppeteer is not seen, only the doll is seen. To play several dolls, then you need more people. The children see and to be always involved in the game. Sing, call after Kasper, etc.
I will create you a manual (drawings), how to do with the dolls. Please be patient.
Everything makes a lot of fun. :))
Best greetings!
Dunja
(in facebook: Dunja Nele Richter (DU N. RI)
ah, i forgot: you need a friend from Kasper: Seppel, and the grandma from Kasper
more: The imagination knows no limits!
(Kasper=Kasperl=Kasperle)
picture 1:
picture 2:
Kasper is the main character. He is the cheerful, cheeky fool who is loving but often makes nonsense. As children. He always has a pointed cap. look here:
https://www.google.de/search?hl=de&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=593&q=kasperl&oq=Ksper&gs_l=img.1.9.0i10i24l10.2856.4485.0.9117.5.5.0.0.0.0.139.500.4j1.5.0….0…1ac.1.25.img..0.5.499.rP0DfACIHoo
ask me for more, welcome! In me all picture for it, i dont know, what you need yet.
The puppethead paper mache, the clothes you have to sew. smile
Dunja, now that you’ve gathered all this information together for us, would you be interested in writing a guest post for the blog? More people would see the puppetheads if they appeared on a post of your own. If you’re interested, just send your post in an email, and let me know if there are any additional photos you’d like to include that you haven’t already shown us. I’m getting quite excited about making some of these puppet heads, and it would be a wonderful project for older kids. Maybe we would use the puppet heads for “American” stories – I’ve always been drawn to Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox – that would be a great story for these tiny puppets!
Oh, why not! But I’ve never written in a blog, I have not. And have all just in my head. I would have to prepare. Where should I write?
Great! Just write your post and send it as an email, using this form. I’ll transfer it over to the blog, and I’ll let you know when the post is online. This will be fun!
Well, I’ll do it. Please wait a few days. Yikes, I’m very excited! laughing! 🙂
Oh – how nice! It’s good to meet you, Dunja! I’ll be patient, and wait for your post.
Hi Dunja,
maybe I can help out with translation for your guest post, if you’d like! Jonni, I’m sorry, but I can hardly read the posts since the new formate :-(. It’s soooo small!
Hi Dunja, vielleicht kann ich dir ja beim Ãœbersetzen helfen, wenn du einen Gastbeitrag machst?! Danke für den lieben Gästebucheintrag! Hat mir heute den Tag gerettet! 🙂
Hi Irini. Do you mean the words are showing up smaller than they used to? In Firefox, you can click on the View link at the very top of your window, and choose Zoom > Zoom in. Does that help? Or are you viewing the site on a mobile device? Is the home page the one that’s hard to read, or all the posts? (I don’t have a smart phone, so I can’t test it).
Für Irini:
Danke für das schöne Angebot. Ich schick dir mal eine deutsche Fassung und dazu meine Übersetzung. Lach, die ist gruselig, denke ich. Auf die ciao4-adresse.
sorry, can`t find your email-adress, Jonni! 🙁
Just use this form, here.
Thank you! I think I’ll make some of these finger puppets right after I finish my gorilla mask. Your comments have been inspiring!
Aha! Thanks Jonni, yes, it worked! Now I can read you again! 😉
Hallo Jonni, look here:
http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85Z%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=punch+puppet+stories&rh=n%3A52044011%2Ck%3Apunch+puppet+stories
These remind me of the puppets I used to watch on Mr. Rogers. Anybody remember those? Of course, I always thought the trolley was the real scene stealer.
Hallo Jonni, ich freue mich! Grüsse aus Deutschland! Ich bin auch eine Oma. Ich sehe dein Video und erinnere mich an meine Kindheit. Ich verstehe kein Wort, aber meine Augen sehen, was deine Hände machen. Ja, das kenne ich auch, ich erinnere mich. Ich möchte dir einen Impuls geben: Kennst du Kasperletheater? Puppentheater? Das ist in Deutschland sehr populär, dafür braucht man Puppen, die auf die Hand gesteckt werden. Die Köpfe dazu haben wir zu Hause auch mit Pappmaché gemacht. Nur etwas anders. Wir verwendeten Knete, wie Kinder sie zum Spielen benutzen. Der Kopf wird geformt (grob). Dann wird er beklebt mit Zeitungspapier, das vorher in Stücke gerissen und in Tapetenleim (Zellleim) eingeweicht wurde. Das in mehreren Lagen, dann trocknen lassen.
Ist es trocken, werden die Köpfe halbiert, aufgeschnitten über den Hinterkopf und die Nase. Die Knete wird entfernt. Dann setzt man den Kopf wieder zusammen mit einigen Lagen Zeitungspapier. Nun wird er endgültig geformt. Dafür eignet sich dein Papier-Ton hervorragend.
Für das Kaspertheater gibt es einige Grundfiguren:
Kasper (der gute, schlaue Narr), Gretel (Freundin von Kaspar), der böse Teufel, der Zauberer, die Prinzessin, der König, der Polizist, das Krokodil.
Natürlich ist das beliebig erweiterbar, je nach Geschichte, die gespielt werden soll.
Du hast mich inspiriert, danke!
google-translator:
Hi Jonni, I’m happy! Greetings from Germany! I’m also a grandmother. I see your video and remember my childhood. I do not understand a word, but my eyes see what your hands make. Yes, I also know, I remember. I want to give you a pulse: Do you know puppet theater? This is very popular in Germany, for that you need dolls that are placed on the hand. The heads of this we have made ??at home with paper mache. Only slightly different. We used Modeling clay for children use them to play. The head is shaped (roughly). He is covered with newspaper, which has previously been torn to pieces and soaked in wallpaper paste (cellglue). This can be in several layers, then dry.
Is it dry, the heads are cut in half, cut through the back of the head and nose. The clay is removed. Then placed the head back together with some layers of newspaper. Now he is finally formed. Your paperclay sound is excellent for it.
For the puppet theater, there are some basic figures:
Kasper (the good, clever fool), Gretel (friend of Kaspar), the evil devil, the magician, the Princess, the King, the policeman, the crocodile.
Of course this can be extended, depending on the story that is to be played.
You inspired me, thank you!
(This picture is a example, no puppets from me)
Greetings Dunja :))
Hallo Dunja,
woher kommst du denn aus Deutschland? Ich bin aus der Stuttgarter Gegend!
Ich bin auch ziemlich froh, Jonnis Seite gefunden zu haben!
Hello Dunja,
Where do you live in Germany? I am from the Stuttgart area. I am very happy to have found Jonny’s page as well!
Hallo Irini, ja ich bin auch aus Deutschland. Ich lebe in Sachsen. Herzliche Grüsse!
My first attempt at papier mache. Thanks for all the tutorials. They are an enormous help to the beginner.
It is not horizontal on my screen. Not sure why this happened. I’ll try again.
I love it. You must have a great story for this guy.
This is so cute. Did you take any progress photos? If this is beginner work then you do have a lot of talent. I can’t wait to see what other work you come out with.
Wow Karen, He is beautiful 🙂 I love his out fit.
He is cute and very fanciful. I agree with Christine- what a marvelous first piece- you have a ton of talent! I am curious as to how you achieved the white fluffy body parts. Is that also paper mache?
Wow! That is an amazing first project! He is so interesting – I can’t wait to see what you do next!
Thank you for all the kind comments. I am sorry for the delay in responding to your questions. Life just happens sometimes.
I call him a “Chick Magnate”. It stands 33 inches tall including the top hat. He is modeled loosely after the 1908 Saturday Evening Post New Years Cover. He is Constructed of Paper Mache strips and clay, ( not Jonni’s, but something close to it). The engineering challenge was the balance problem created by the one leg stance. This was solved by using two recycled treaded lamp rods (visible in one of the progress pics.. Looks like a Skesis at this point!) They are joined by a nut that helps define the bird’s knee and the top rod extends almost to the shoulder for added stability. He was fleshed out using tape, newsprint and foil and wire to support the long beak. Larger wings are cut from a diet coke box. The top hat is constructed from junk mail.
It is covered in different textures of paper mache clay for definition of the different feathers. The legs are wrapped in cloth clay and the claws are fashion from loctite epoxy putty. The vest is the new Jonni clay which was a miss.My fault I am sure. I tossed it in a moment of frustration, but I will certainly try another batch once my gram scale arrives. Here are the progress pic you requested. Sorry for the quality. Karen
Hi Karen. You mentioned progress photos, but they didn’t come through. Is it possible that they were too large for the system to handle? I would love to see them, and I know everyone else would, too.
I believe I figured out what the issue was in uploading my photos.
another progress photo.
Arms and eyes attached.
Another progress photo before the painting process.
After painting.
Progress photo with hat added.
And the final photo is a side view of the completed sculpture.
Great photos, Karen! It’s so much fun seeing this sculptures came to life – especially since you ran into an obvious problem, (balancing this fellow on one leg), and you came up with a perfect solution. And thanks so much for giving the upload doohickey another try – and for sharing these great progress photos.
A new one I am working on. Still not quite finished.
And a head sculpt.
Jose Alvarez, your work amazes me, it’s great.
Thanks Marilyn. I finished the little details on this one yesterday and finally added the hair. Now it just needs some sanding and a paint job.
Beautiful, as always.
I love your people. I want to sculpt more faces. You do a great job.
And a closeup.
Jose,
Exquisite work as always! I can only dream of ever creating sculpts like this. Do you make molds for these and do you sell them? Really Jose you are very gifted and I love seeing your work up here.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
What I want to know is does he have all this teeth! Amazing. I love your works. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, nuts! I forgot to turn the photo around!
I think I gave him more hair than he really has.
If I could do one thing differently, I would have put more paper folds on his robe rather than using gray paint. However, I am still very pleased!
KEWLLLL!!! YODA IS THE MAN!!
I did several things differently with Yoda. Your new air dry recipe intrigued me into wondering if the paper mache clay recipe could be made smoother. I experimented by substituting the flour with cornstarch (same amount). It did make the sculpture much smoother and lighter in weight (though just as sturdy), but it was a little out of control. It isn’t good for detail work, but I think I’ll use it for the final coat of paper mache clay to smooth things out. It also was a purer white and took acrylic paint much better. It has a consistency like buttercream frosting on a hot day.
I also used duct tape on the supportive skeleton, and I really liked how that worked out.
Also something I did differently was the hair. It is fiberfill. Of course, I think it did absorb the smell of the clear coat more–and Yoda had to stay in the storage room with the litter box for two days until the smell went away. My mom complained it was making her stoned, but it seemed to me that Yoda’s face scrunched up more in the storage room. Our cat really stinks despite changing his litter daily!
I have been making Jonni’s pm clay for a year now and the air-dry clay since she introduced it. Last week I went out and bought a mixer (instead of using my food processor machine) and watched her video 4 times. I was particularly intrigued by her closing shot holding the clay in her hand (like it was clay!) and pinching a bit of it into a fold. Then I began making batches of clay. The first batch was air-dry clay and I don’t believe it could have been more smooth. I have a friend who makes dolls (the porcelain type) and the clay I made was easily as smooth as her dolls. My point is that after a year of making clay, I finally made a batch that I don’t think could be better. I love Yoda, and I think a smoother clay would help with the project. I’m going to post a comment on the clay site, an apology, if you will!
I go away for a little while and come back to some great artwork!
I’m very proud of this project. I consider my best work so far! It is Master Yoda from Star Wars, specifically from The Empire Strikes Back…when Luke first meets him on Dagobah.
You really caught an interesting expression on Yoda’s face, Jessica. Nicely done.
Thank you! I actually was going for a particular expression I had seen in the movie. He looked both amused and sad at the same time. I think it was when Luke was talking about how he was looking for a great warrior. However, I wound up accidentally reversing the smile. The lower part was actually on the left (when staring at him face-on) and the higher was on the right.
I had a problem with the mouth because initially he looked like a stroke victim. I know it sounds silly, but my mom and I actually had a discussion about whether the Star Wars puppeteers had meant for Yoda to have a weakness on one side as if he had had a stroke (or perhaps something in the puppet hadn’t fully worked).
I like your Yoda. Good job!
Fantastic! And he gave me my first smile of the day too! I’d bet they’d love to see him over at http://www.reddit.com/r/StarWars
Just a thought.
Well, glad to make you smile! That made me smile! Thanks for the link!
While making a pm gargoyle last year I got hung up in my research on them. So interesting. One piece of info I came across stated that gargoyles in the cathedrals had the job to scare away evil spirits from entering. Seems to me they were an excellent advertisement for the church. Funny.
Interesting – I wonder if it worked?
Hi Jonni, just thought I would have a brag and show a giraffe that I made then put in our local gallery, and woohooo it sold, (I must admit did put in in cheap, but better sold than sitting at my place). I was not really happy with it, but then when are we ever. I hope you are doing well with making for your exhibition, I am having one with another person I got hooked on your site, but thankfully not till late next year, so a lot of time to get things made that I am happy with.
Great giraffe! Congratulations for selling him. I’m currently floundering in my exhibition project, but this is quite inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Hello everyone, Jonni asked me to post about my giraffe in here.
I was recently asked to be a guest designer on a craft blog in the UK, using their products. I wanted to come up with unusual ways to use their paints,waxes and rubber stamps.
I totally adore giraffes and for a while now have been wanting to make one, not being able to afford the many many packets of air dry clay was holding me back, therefore when i found Jonni’s recipes I was delighted.
So I made my giraffe, used the clay, and decorated him. The company whose blog he went onto even ran a ‘name the giraffe competition’ . He ended up being called Colin, and is now residing in my livingroom.
If you would like to see how I made and decorated him then you can see the whole post on the PaperArtsy blog.
Here is the link. http://blog.paperartsy.co.uk/2013/07/darcy-wilkinson-project-4-giraffe.html (note that is not my blog, it is the company blog)
there are photos and 2 short videos.
Darcy, I saw the two videos that you posted and what an innovative idea you had. I absolutely loved the tissue process you used. This should give many crafters who regularly use this site some great ideas of using wire mesh as an armature. that giraffe turned out gorgeous.
Darcy, I am in love. He is so cute. I have had a photo of giraffes on my wall for about 40 years. Maybe the time will come when I can try and make one. This is just great. Intimidating, but great. Thanks.
I posed a question earlier today to Jonni after searching through the site and not finding the answer on my own. Although she didn’t have the answer to my questions, she thought that maybe one of you may. So here I am posing the question to all of you.
A few weeks ago I picked up some cork tile that I plan to place on a board foundation (it has a sticky/adhesive backing.) It is the type of cork board used in offices for pinning notes up. I plan to adhere all four to the center of my foundation and create a “frame” around the outside. The “frame” will be made out of paper mache and air dry clay. (I keep using quotations around the word frame because I am not actually making a frame in the traditional sense of the word. I will actually be making what will look like a scene going on around the frame. For instance, in the lower left hand corner there will be a 15th century English Naval ship. I will be including some barrels on the deck of the ship which will serve the purpose of holding the tacks for the cork board. I will also be stringing masts as well.)
The question is: I know cork is a natural material that is quite absorbent and with that in mind, if the air dry clay and paper mache overlap (which it will on the corners and edges at some locations) will it cause it to dry improperly firstly? (Would it cause my project to crack and break from expansion of the cork or is there enough room in the cork itself to allow for that? — My boyfriend says this is where my nerdiness starts to come out.) Secondly, will the cork hold in the moisture to the point of causing it to mold? Would it just be better or safer to just treat the cork in the areas that will get covered with a polyurethane or might that just be an unneeded step?
Any experience with using cork and paper mache and/or air dry clay would be really great. I do know that there is cork clay on the market and that it is used as a burn off clay while using PMC and other kiln clay processes, but I have no experience using straight cork with wet clays.
Thanks much! ~Chelsea
This will probably not be much of an answer but have you considered building a traditional frame out of your paper mache with a steeped in rear to accommodate the cork after the paper mache dries? That to me would solve your perceived problems.
Maybe a waxed wood square as the base so the frame could easily “pop” out and thoroughly dry? Then install the cork as it were a picture to be framed? Just thinking out of the box here. Hope it helps.
Carol,
Thank you so much for your response! I am sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. My sewing machine broke down in the middle of a plushie project (My boyfriend calls me “decisively indecisive” when it comes to my arts/crafts as I can not nail down just one that I like to do over another.) So even though I have spent the last 2 days trying to find a new sewing machine – you guessed it, I can’t make up my mind on which to buy.
Anyway, your idea on actually doing the frame itself as an actual frame is a consideration I had not thought of. It is a quite simple idea really and now that you brought it up I am sitting here thinking to myself thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Then when you mentioned the waxed wood square…. Although I have never heard of doing something like that, I do have TONS of waxed butcher style paper and I wonder if maybe covering my cork with it would work and then popping it out to allow it to dry. I will test that! 🙂 If that does not work ( and just so I don’t have to come back and bug you again lol ) have you done a waxed wood block before? Where would I find something like that? Or even how would I make something like that. I assume I would need to use something like paraffin wax or maybe Beeswax. I would certainly be interested to know how I would do that at any rate!
Thanks again for your suggestions! It is always great to have a fresh set of eyes to look at a project. ~Chelsea
Love your new website format! Haven’t been here in awhile, but wanted to show you how I’ve used your newer mache’ recipe. It was a bit sticky but I know I left too much water in it and am anxious to make another batch. This worked great and took detail quite well. He’s not exactly scale but I’m aiming for a long legged ride with an attitude for a long legged Santa! LOL! Will send another pic when I finish. Thanks, Jonni for all you share!
What character – he looks happy and ready for just about anything. I love it.
And I’m glad you like the new format. I’m trying to get up to speed for folks who read the blog on smart phones and iPads. Still a lot of work to do, of course…
I can’t wait to see the sculpture after Santa gets on for a ride!