Easy Pattern for a
Life-Sized Baby Elephant
Make it Yourself with Paper Mache
$7.00
This project takes time and patience to complete, but don’t let the size scare you. It’s actually a fairly easy project.
In fact, the video below has been seen by 1.4 million people, and thousands of people have used the pattern to successfully create their own lovable baby elephants. That means you can do it, too.
This is a downloadable PDF Pattern with full instructions. That means there’s no waiting and no shipping costs, and you can start on your project right away.
Click here if you’d like to know more about how the patterns are delivered. And remember – if you have any problems downloading your files or putting your pattern together, just let me know. I’m always happy to help. 😀
This baby elephant pattern has been used successfully by hundreds of people from around the world.
In fact, it continues to be one of the most popular projects on this site. Scroll down below the video to see just a few of the photos that have been sent in by people who used this pattern.
The finished size of the paper mache sculpture shown above is 29″ high and 36″ long from trunk to tail. If you don’t have room for a sculpture that size, or if you want one that’s even bigger, the size is easy to change. (Some people have even used the pattern to create life-sized adult elephants!)
$7
Watch the video below to see how to make your elephant sculpture.
Note: I copied the pattern onto sheet of plywood, as you’ll see in the video, but if I made this elephant today I’d use a piece of cardboard from a large appliance carton instead. Cardboard is much lighter than wood.
To make this elephant sculpture you’ll need:
- A large sheet of heavy cardboard or a scrap of thin plywood that’s at least 48″ square.
- Lots of recycled newspaper to fill the inside
- Masking tape.
- Aluminum mesh wire for the ears
- Flour and water paste
- More newspaper for the paper mache
- Paper towels for the final skin
- Acrylic or latex paint
- Acrylic varnish
Use either paper strips and paste or paper mache clay –
I didn’t invent my paper mache clay recipe until after I made this elephant. Since the paper mache clay goes on faster than paper strips and paste, I’d use the paper mache clay if I made another life-sized elephant. However, I’d still use the final layer of paper towels to get that realistic elephant-skin look. You can find the recipe for my now-famous paper mache clay by clicking the Recipes link in the menu at the top of this site.
Note: Keep your baby elephant in the house –
When I made my own elephant sculpture I thought a few coats of marine varnish would protect her from the elements. That’s why I took some photos of her out in the garden. I changed my mind after I did some experiments.
Marine (spar) varnish does not prevent rain and sun from destroying a paper mache sculpture, so be sure to keep your baby elephant inside.
$7
Just a few of the 100’s of baby elephants made with this pattern …
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Do you have a question or need help with your pattern?
If you have a question about putting your pattern together or painting it, leave a comment below or on the Daily Sculptors page. I read all comments and answer them as soon as I can, usually within a few hours. Some of my readers might ideas for you, too — we have a very supportive community on this site.
Downloading your files: To see exactly how the downloading process should work, click here. If your pattern doesn’t download correctly and you can’t see the solution on that page, let me know right away so I can help. This is a one-person business, but I check my inbox regularly and will respond as fast as I can.
Hi ,love your creative ideas. I use them for my newphew project. I also tried making elephant. Thanks for sharing. Well explained