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My paper mache egg was a mess when he started out (total disaster!) but he turned out really cute. The model for Humpty Dumpty was an illustration in a Kindle book by W. W. Denslow, which was originally printed back in 1903. The colors are perfect for my house, and he’s going to look great in my kitchen (as soon as I get the cabinets painted, that is…
As I mentioned in the video, I didn’t realize that there were stories to go along with the nursery rhyme. When I just now went out to Amazon.com to check, I found a whole page of books about the little egg. (I guess you’re never to old to learn new things.)
The story in the Denslow book was a bit strange – the wise hen telling an egg that it was a good idea to be boiled so he wouldn’t break. I think the point was that a child needs to toughen up a little so he can grow up and become a productive member of society.
Or something. But really – wasn’t that hen adorable? I’ve got to make one! (I wonder how I didn’t know that Denslow was the original illustrator for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? His lion on the first edition cover is really nice. Hmm –
Anyway, this was a fun, spur-of the moment project that is very different from my usual style, but I had a lot of fun with it. If you’d like to make a giant Easter egg instead, the plaster cloth over the balloon and under the paper mache might be worth considering – it’s really strong, and it went together fast.
If you don’t have a hobby store near you, you can order plaster cloth from Amazon.com.
Hey Jonni,
I am trying to make a large egg costume for Halloween and was thinking of using this plaster wrap for the mold. Are you able to cut holes into this stuff for like the arms and head once it has hardened? Or do you suggest I use an alternative material? Thank you!
Hi Elyse. Yes, you can cut holes in it. If it’s the body portion of the costume you’ll want to use four or five layers to make it quite strong. The little strings might catch on the saw blade. It could be easier to mark the areas on your form where the arms and head holes will go, and leave those areas without any plaster cloth.
Good idea! Thank you for the tips and info!