Today we have a guest post from Marjo Bruijnes, who used several unique methods to create a paper mache ermine. She also runs an animal shelter, and I hope you’ll visit her site, if just to see the beautiful animals in her care.
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How to Make a Paper Mache Ermine
© 2015 Marjo Bruijnes
I am Marjo Bruijnes. I was born in the Netherlands and live now for ten years in Hungary. I love animals in every way, to have them, to help them and to be inspired by them for creative art. I have a shelter for abused animals. I paint animals and I really love to make animals in paper mache. So I decided to make an ermine in his winter fur. These little creatures live on my farm and they are so cute.
I start to make a form from strong wire
Then I took an old stocking and stuffed it with bandage – not too strong but just enough to make the first shape.
Then I put it on some wood with tape.
And then the fun part begins. I started to put the first two layers of thin toile tpaper on, with lots of glue.
When the thin toilet paper is nearly dry, I started to put a few layers of kitchen paper on it. I put a piece of cardboard for the place for the eyes and nose.
I let it dry a bit and then I put chalk on the body of the ermine. It gives a natural finish, but of course you can also paint it if you like.
The wood where I put the ermine on can be used in two positions. I can let it stand, but also hang it on the wall.A little bit more about me: I like to paint and just started with making animals from paper mache. I have for ten years now an animal shelter for abused animals. There are living here over fifty animals I rescued. Because it is very difficult to get enough donations, I want to start workshops in painting and paper mache. The money will benefit the animals. The people who will come here for a workshop will have a wonderful time and help the animals. I hope to here from you.
If you would like to help support my shelter with donations or virtual adoptions, you can visit my website. The name of my shelter: “De Schutskooi”
Marjo, what a beautiful creature. Thank you for your work and for sharing your work. I also love the reindeer or cow (or whatever it really is). Love the coloring.
Hello Rex,thank you I am pleased that you like them.The reindeer I painted it with chalk and acrylic paint,when it was dry I finished with yacht varnish on it.