Note: If you like cats, you might be interested in my new cat mask pattern. It can be use as a mask or a wall sculpture – the pattern creates all the shapes for you so it’s a fast, fun project. You can see it here.
Well, it took a bit longer than usual, but my paper mache cat is done. I made a video showing how I painted my cat, (shown below). If your paper mache cat is a portrait of a different feline, or if you added less texture, you’ll want to use different colors and probably smaller brushes.
I used very large brushes and a very loose painting style because of the rough texture I added to my cat. If I did this cat again, I probably wouldn’t add so much paper mache clay, but I do like the way she turned out.
She’s now sitting on a table with a few other cats, and I’m beginning to wonder if that bobcat’s intentions are honorable…
And here are a few more photos – a close-up of the finished cat, the photo I looked at when painting her eyes, and the original photo that I used to make the pattern. If you missed the previous lessons, you can find Lesson #1 of the How to Make a Paper Mache Cat here.
All of the lessons to make a paper mache cat:
- How to Make a Paper Mache Cat, Lesson #1 – Making the Pattern
- How to Make a Paper Mache Cat, Lesson #2 – Making the Armature
- How to Make a Paper Mache Cat, Lesson #3 – Padding the Armature
- How to Make a Paper Mache Cat, Lesson #4 – Sculpting the Face
- How to Make a Paper Mache Cat, Lesson #5 – Toes, Ears and Tail
- How to Make a Paper Mache Cat, Lesson 6
- How to Make a Paper Mache Cat – Final Lesson
- Your Paper Mache Cats
Hi Jonni, I’ve been enjoying the process of making my cat. My cat of 17 years passed away in the summer, and he was a real character, so I’m making my Felix. Luckily he was a tuxedo, so painting him will be easy. I live in Ecuador and don’t have access to a lot of things. Do I have to finish him with varnish, and if so, will any varnish do?
Hi Lekili. I’m sorry your cat is no longer with you – they make such wonderful friends, but they leave us way too soon. Your sculpture will be a great tribute to him. The varnish will help seal your sculpture to keep it from absorbing moisture from the air. Any brand will work. I’ve been using a spray varnish lately, a clear matte enamel from the Rustoleum company. They probably don’t have that brand in Ecuador, but any clear spray will work. I hope you’ll let us see your sculpted portrait of Felix when it’s done. 🙂
Loving ALL of your videos, Jonni – thank you!
You mention varnish at the end of this one. What type of varnish do you find works best on your sculptures? Spay on vs. brush on? Particular brand or finish (satin, matte, gloss)?
Thanks again – my own studio is filling up with critter friends “in progress” during this “Stay at Home” time of Covid-19. Thankfully, I loaded up on TP, joint compound and glue before the lockdown! 🙂
Hi Lisa. My favorite varnish is the Ultra Matte or the Soft Touch varnish products from DecoArt. Neither one seems to be available today on amazon.com. At least, not at a reasonable price. I like them because they don’t pool up in the dips on a sculpture, which can cause a varnish to dry white instead of clear. And they don’t yellow. But any brand will work if you apply several light coats.
Have fun!
Thank you for your videos! I am working at home with another animal with my 4th grader son and we are almost done, now we need to add whiskers, what would you recommend for that?
Hi Labibe. I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner. You’ve probably already finished your animal by now, but one thing you might try is to add some short pieces of fishing line, or even some hairs from a hair brush. If you’re working with paper and paste, you would probably need to make small holes in the paper so you could glue in the whiskers. It probably wouldn’t’ be easy – I’ve never tried it.
Since you have probably already done the whiskers, I would love to know how you decided to do it. If you happen to have a photo to share, I know we’d all love to see it, too.
Hi! It’s me again. The Dap dried just fine, I’ll be starting paper macheing soon! I’m going to blick tomorrow to pick up some paints.
What were your paint brand that you used? Also for the shadows and the eyes, it was a gel medium..?? What is it named?
Should I put anything after the paper mache clay and geso before painting?
I’ve been using the Liquitex Soft Body Acrylics lately, but any acrylic paint works just fine. The product I use to emphasize the fine lines in the sculpture, around the eyes, etc., is the satin version of Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid. Other companies also make glazing liquid, but this is the only brand I have any experience with. It slows down the drying time and makes the paint transparent without adding water, but it does also slow down your project, because it can take up to 24 hours to dry. And I use a matte acrylic varnish after all the paint is dry.
You don’t need to put anything on the sculpture before painting. I can’t wait to see how your cat turns out!
I watched all the cat videos tonight. I’m trying to get the nerve to work on the pumpkin, which I think made progress tonight. No more fear.
I learned many things through the videos, and it was especially interesting WATCHING instead of reading. I loved your book on making animals, and I’ve done most of the sculptures more than once. In the videos, it was particularly interesting in forming faces; now, only to do it.
I’m attaching a photo (or two) of a small piggy bank I did with paper strips (before I read your book). I was really unhappy with the rough surface, so I covered it with joint compound. I have more hope now that it won’t fall apart in a few weeks. I sent it to my friend in the British Isles. The flowers are from her garden and her dog is on the pig’s cheek. Thanks so much, again and again.
You’ve got me thinking about a dragon, too!
That’s a great piggy bank, Rex. What a thoughtful gift.