Jonni’s Sculptures
The images below show you some of my recent paper mache and paper mache clay sculptures. Please contact me if you have any questions about these sculptures.
To see a larger image, click on any of the images below.
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{ 85 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Jonni,
I am a puppet builder and puppeteer. I found your website when I was looking for plaster of paris to put on the face of my puppets to make it smooth. In those days I was working on these couple of puppets called Ceredonio and Catalina, so when I found your recipe for the clay I was half the way through and I said: well I’ll finish them in my all fashion way (layer by layer) and next time I use this wonderful clay. That way I didn’t need to do the finished with plaster of paris and sand a lot.
Anyway, Thank you and all your readers for posting wonderful ideas and please keep posting. I definitely will use the paper mache clay next time.
thank you
Hi Jonni
I have been visiting your website for 6 months now and love all your work. I have made and finished a paper mache bowl by painting in acrylic in my contemporary indigenous Australian style. I have lots of ideas for more pieces of art and thanks for the inspiration.
Hope you like it
Kerrie
Hi Kerry. The bowl is lovely – very nice work.
Hi,
I’m helping my son with a sheep horns project and we are having a hard time forming the horns
Any suggestions on how to form them
It’s a mask with sheep horns
Thanks!
Hi Stefani. I made the horns for my kudu wall mask out of twisted aluminum foil. They look pretty realistic. The sheep’s horns are thicker, but I think it would still work.
Jonni, I think I love your owl mask the most, as I collect owls. Beyond that, I could not pick a favorite because I love them all.
I found your site through stumble upon, and favorited it long ago. Forgive me for not responding sooner. I am in awe of your work. You have real talent.
I am adding a picture of the unicorn I helped my 8-year-old granddaughter make for her 5-year-old cousin at Christmas. It’s rough, but we had never done paper mache before and we used the traditional method.
I’d like to try your method on something a little more sophisticated.
If you get some time, check out my site. It’s only a sub domain for now, as I’m still testing the water there and have not made a commitment. Too many health issues have made me disabled and unemployed. I haven’t done any tutorials, either. There are only pictures of some of my crafts, most of which are not paper mache.
Have a great day, and so glad I finally got a chance to say Hi and I love your work.
The unicorn is wonderful. Your granddaughter must be so proud of it. (you didn’t give us your web address, though…)
Hi Jonni,
I love what you can do with paper mache! You’re AMAZING! Have you ever tried a giraffe? I am trying it out but can’t get it to work…Any suggestions?
Hi McKenna. I haven’t done a whole giraffe, but I’d love to do a baby. I did do a head and some of the neck, and it’s one of my favorite sculptures. You can see it here and here. Several readers have sent in photos of their paper mache giraffes, and Nan Burger sent in a photo of a paper mache giraffe that was made by her grade school class.
When you say you’re “trying it out,” what exactly isn’t working?
so it’s a water base varnish then?..an thanks he does look nice on my harth heres an under look at him..
Yes, I use a water based varnish.
what type of varnish do you use to protect your animals, so far I have a dragon, gargoyle, frog, tortoise an baby elephant I have animals popping in my head now that want out..lol..family thinks I’m crazy.
I use a matte acrylic varnish. I don’t put my sculptures outside, of course. The matte finish seems to work best with the textures I like to put on my animal sculptures.
I love your turtle. Don’t worry about your family thinking you’re nuts – it kind of goes with the territory.
Hi Jonni, I came across your paper mache projects quite by mistake on youtube and I fell in love with it. I didn’t even think of creating something so wonderful as a little sculpture with paper mache. I’m always looking for new ideas and different outlets of art. I am an Artist and I have my own website complete with a gallery. I mainly do portraits and fabric art on t-shirts. My children and I are currently attempting the pantalone masks. They’re still drying but I may be tempted to stick them in the oven to hurry the process. They love watching your videos. Thank you for showing us how to do the masks. Hopefully I’ll be able to post them onto my website when they’re done!
Hi Natalie. I’m glad you found my site. Remember that you don’t want to put modeling clay or a plastic mask form in the oven – I’m sure you know that, but just in case another reader didn’t, I thought I’d throw that out there.
I do hope you’ll show us your masks when they’re done.
Jonni – I have always meant to ask you – how do you get the eyes on your sculptures so so realistic? I could swear an animal is peering at me when I look at them. I know this isn’t so, but it almost looks like you use the eyes that a taxidermist might use – I’m guessing they use glass eyes that are made up for them. So really now, come clean and let me in on your secret. I know you are talented but these eyes how do you do them? Joanne.
Hi Joanne. No, I don’t use glass eyes. They’re all painted. I do have a little trick I use, and I’ll try to explain it in the cat lessons when we get to that part of the project. I don’t really consider myself an expert on painting eyes, but they do seem to come out OK. I’m also thinking about asking a friend who’s a real expert on painting animal eyes to do a tutorial for us – I would love to know how she does it. I’ll keep you posted.
Hi Jonni,
What an amazing website you have!! We are making a papier-mache llama and would love some more direction than what we currently have. We’ve just had a little bit of experience years ago w papier-macheing. Hoping this is the beginning of a new hobby for my son and me!! Thanks!
Hi, Ava. I don’t have anything about llamas, but you might want to follow along as we make our cat. A number of people have already started theirs. The shapes are different, of course, but the basic construction methods and materials are all the same, no matter what kind of animal you make. The first lesson on how to make a paper mache cat is here. There are a lot of other tutorials here.
Is it okay to have two favorites- cause my new favorite is Bobcat – its your best. Please have the group class be a Bobcat like yours above? Joanne
i would really like to make a racoon or wolf for my cousin but im a beginner. do i have to use paper mache clay?
No, you don’t need the paper mache clay. Most of the tutorials on this site use traditional paper strips and paste. You can create beautiful sculptures using the traditional methods.
Hi
I am really interested in Egypt and i wanted to make queen Nefertiti’s bust is there and helpful advice you can give me on making her? Thanks
Hi Sally. I have not yet made a human bust, although it’s something that is definitely on my list. However, there are several really good guest posts on the blog that you will want to see. The first is by Cory Triplett, who showed us how he and his class made some Egyptian items. Very impressive. And Joanne Gennarella showed off her self-portrait made with celluclay.
The best advice I can give you is to find a good book on sculpting clay portraits. Although you’re probably going to be using a different medium, the basic underlying forms will still be the same.
I am really excited about making some clay. Are there any substitutions that you can suggest for the linseed oil? I have only found it in larger quantities which is not cost efficient. Would Floetrol work? It keeps brushmarks from showing.
Hi Kem. I’m not familiar with the Floetrol, so I can’t say what it would do. However, many people just leave out the linseed oil, and the clay will still work just fine.
Jonni,
I am creating a life-size sculpture of a fawn. I found all of your directions for how to make the Clay and Paste, I just wonder how I’m going to keep the sculpture supported. Would wire inside the clay work?
Ally, you’ll need an armature under the paper mache. If you support your armature with wire, and then wrap it with crumpled paper and tape to fill out the form, the armature should stand up on it’s own. (I suggest you try very thin rebar if your wire doesn’t feel quite strong enough.) Then the clay will be added to the armature.
Can I paper mache over chicken wire? Will it stick? also what can I do to make it water proof so it can sit outside?
thanks for any info.
Lots of people use paper mache over chicken wire. Use really big pieces of paper on the bottom layer so the pieces don’t slip through the holes. For waterproofing, a lot of people use spar (marine) varnish with good results.
Hi!
I grew up in a small and beautiful spanish city by the sea. I graduated in arts and since then I researched my options on various media. I experienced the sculpture, Illustration and printmaking, always seeking warm feelings on my artwork.
I was looking for new materials to experience, eco, clean at work and cheap. Some months ago I find your fantastic tutorial about paper mache clay receipe. I really apreciate you sharing this video and tutorials. I start trying this material since january in good and succesful results.
Maybe you like to see about the way travellig your fantastic tips. Thanks a lot sharing it.
http://www.iriarodriguez.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaYnnMvshTo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RgZV4_wtVM
Hi, I am planning to make paper mache pumpkins with my son’s second grade class. I was going to pre-make the clay for them. Do you think that it woud be easy for them to use? I planned to use a balloon as the form, would the clay stick or would we have to use a base of paper strips? I really appreciate you sharing the recipe.
Thank You,
Amber
Amber, I’m not sure the clay will work for second-graders, because the materials in the recipe are not non-toxic. You might want to read the labels before deciding. You can leave out the boiled linseed oil, which has the most chemicals, or substitute glycerine. I think you might want to consider using the paper strips and paste, instead. However, I do think the clay would be easier and less messy – but if anyone in the class might get their hands in the clay or even eat it, that would not be good.
Have you seen the idea of making pumpkins over a plastic bag that has been stuffed with paper or more plastic bags, and then a piece of twine is wrapped around the bag to make the indentations that go around the pumpkin? That might actually be easier for the kids (it is for me, too) than using balloons. Laurie showed us how they look when they’re done in a guest post, here.
Hi Jonni everyone that saw your website likes it but i don’t just like it i actually LOVEEEEEE it uhhm i was just asking are there any other materials to make the clay because i couldn’t find the other materials to make the clay and if you could also make a tutorial on how to make a cavalier king charles spaniel because i would love to learn how to make a replica of a paper mache cavalier thank you so much Jonni.
Hi Stella. If you live outside the US, the clay materials may be called something other than the product names used here. The guys at your local hardware store might be able to help. Some areas of the world don’t use the products in their construction industry, so the recipe isn’t useful for everyone. If you can’t find the products, I suggest you stick with the paper strips and paste.
Be sure to check the paper mache tutorials page for ideas about how to make your dog.
Jonni…your work is so beautiful! And, inspiring. I LOVE your cats.
Thanks, Sharon. Likewise!
These are amazing!!! My daughter and I were blown away by what you did. Thanks for sharing.
Olá amo ver seu site!É tdu fantástico e cheio de perfeição vc é uma artista excelente!Tem um blog e algumas peças que faço sem moldes e com massa caseira a alguns anos,mais não tenho é claro seu talento,mais amo fazer esculturas de papel machê.Vc é uma inspiração e seu talento é perfeito sucesso e quando puder olhe meu blog e me diga a sua nota!obrigada um forte abraço é mto sucesso!!!Luciana Teixeira
Hi… I love your work and i was wondering what you would suggest i make the form of a horse out of.. paper mache or something else.. it’s about 3 feet tall and for a school project. If you do suggest paper mache what type and do you have any ideas on how to make it dry faster… also do you have any ideas what to use for the structure of the head thanks for your time
Did you see the colt – it was a bit of an experiment and I wouldn’t use the drywall again – but substitute a cardboard pattern reinforced with wire, and it would work just fine. There are a number of posts for this project, since I wrote them as I went along – you can see the links if you scroll down the paper mache tutorials page.
To get your paper mache to dry faster, try to use warm moving air. In the winter, setting it over a furnace register works well. If you furnace isn’t on, put it in a warm place and turn a fan on, directing it at your horse. A small heater with a fan will also work, if you make sure to keep it far enough away to prevent any possibility of it catching fire.
Good luck – and be sure to let us see your horse when it’s done.
hello,
i couldn’t find any joint compound in the shops, if i try the clay recipe without it, what difference will it make?
Emilia x
You’ll have paper pulp held together with white glue. It won’t spread as easily as the real recipe, but it might work. Since I haven’t tried making a batch without the joint compound, I don’t really know what it will do – but it should be quite similar to traditional paper pulp recipes. Give it a try, and see what happens. It might be something you could use, or it might not.
Hello, My names Haley. I have started my own project, a boxer puppy, and hope to get it done soon. I was watching your videos and saw you had a giraffe and was wondering if you had any pictures of it. It is really pretty.
Also: I have a art site for my drawings, its under construction, but there are a few pictures. hadart.wetpaint.com
Haley, you can find my giraffe here. There are a lot of other photos of giraffes that readers have sent in, so be sure to use the search bar at the top of the page. (And nice drawings, by the way.)
Hi,
Theyare amazing!!! I could not imagine how many things you can do with papermache. Iwill try it to make jewellery…
Jonni,
Thank you for your reply. I will be delighted to show you and everyone my horse once it is done. ( but may need help figuring out how to get it on this email).
I spent six hours yesterday on the form and today I put some of the paper mache clay on it.
The only part that I am not sure how to do are the eyes.
btw – I ordered your book yesterday as well. I love your website!
Thanks again. Deborah
Hi Deborah. Check out the eyes on the dachshund in the book. I think it will help you mold the eyes on your horse. You can see instructions for posting your photos here, when you’re ready to show off that horse. You can add the images to any comment, on any page.
Hi Jonni,
I am interested in making paper mache clay spirit dolls, simular to bettylindely.com. Will your recipe work for this. It also appears there is not a form used under the clay. Thank you. Betty
Hi Betty. Thanks for sending that link – the dolls she makes are quite lovely. I’ve never used the PM clay without a form. I think you would need some sort of support, but perhaps just a wire armature would work. It looks like Ms. Lindely is also making the clothes by rolling out some clay and then forming it over the figures – the pm clay is too soft to hold it’s form while it’s still wet. It might be possible to experiment with the formula and get it to work more like air-drying clay, but I don’t think it would work if you use the recipe as-is. Perhaps you could spread it over some heavy cloth, and then drape the cloth over the figure?
If you do some experiments, please let us know how they turn out.
I am planning on making a beehive, what might be the best medium for making the individual tiers or rungs that you see on artistically style hives?
I think I’d probably stuff a plastic bag loosely with crumpled newspaper, and then tie string around the bag in the right places. You’d have to fiddle with it a bit to get the right shape, but it should work. That’s how I made my snowman last year.
Hello, great work!!! I am making my daughter a Willy Wonka Party and want to make lifesize mushrooms from paper mache to hold candies in…parts of the mushroom would have holes to hold a bowl. Any suugestions or ideas? I was going to use an open umbrella as my mold. Not sure what to use as the base either.
For the base you could use the cardboard forms they use for concrete piers – or the cardboard tubes from inside a roll of carpet. You can usually get them for free from a carpet store, and cut them to any length you need. If there’s going to be candles, you’ll need to put some weight in the base to make sure they don’t fall over. And remember that paper does burn….
Have fun at your party.
Hello! Your creations are amazing! I was looking for ways to make a cat shaped piggy bank but I don’t want to have to break my piggy bank when it’s full. Also there are difficulties with details such as the eyes and facial features of the cat. Any suggestions?
Hi Amber. I suggest that you make your armature the way I made the paper mache piggy bank, using a salt box or other round container to form the hollow area inside your cat bank. You would, of course, add kitty head, legs and tail. Then, instead of using the traditional paper strips and paste, use the paper mache clay instead because it makes it much easier to add those difficult facial features. The photo of the pig at the very top of this page, and the dachshund on the front cover of my book clearly show that you can create very fine eyes and noses with the clay. However, if you intend to give the bank to a child who still chews on her toys, you wouldn’t want to use the clay because it isn’t edible.
I hope this helps. Have fun!
Hi, thanks for the prompt reply, I don’t really have any way of making the paper clay as I don’t have an electric mixer at home. Is it ok if I use normal clay for fine details just over the head and and feet then cover it up with paper stripes and flour then sand it? Are there any tips as to painting the cat so it looks partially realistic? This is my first time designing, making and painting an art piece all on my own so I need lots of help..
Hi Amber. Yes, you may be able to use clay under a final few layers of paper mache clay. If you use water-based clay, be sure it dries all the way through. It will also soak up some of the water from the paper mache laid over it, so give the last few layers extra drying time.’
If you use oil-based clays, like Sculpey or modeling clays, you’ll need to remove the clay after the final paper mache coats are dry. Otherwise, the oil in the clay will eventually migrate through the painted finish and destroy your work.
Be sure to let us see your cat when it’s done – I’d love to see it.
just came on your site by google.Ihave to say u must be really patient to answer all of these questions.love your work M
I love your projects. I am working on some lil paper mache ghosts. Their frames are made of crumbled newspaper and tape. I have been trying various air dry clays to add the details out of but it always cracks so I’m excited about trying your clay recipe. Have you had any problems with it cracking as it dries?
Hi Rhonda. I haven’t seen any cracking, so far. Let us know how your ghosts turn out.
Hi, I have been thinking about making a lantern using paper mache. I was wondering if the paper clay would make it too heavy or dense so light couldn’t shine through. I was going to use a balloon as a form just to experiment but eventually, I’d like to use a willow frame. Any suggestions?
Hi Judie. The clay is opaque, so I don’t think it would work for this purpose. Traditional paper strips and paste or diluted white glue should work great. Let us see it when it’s done!
Have you finished the dragon yet? I would like to see how it turned out.
Thanks,
Monica
Hi Monica. No – I got frustrated because I made my dragon smaller than I like. I couldn’t find the necessary enthusiasm to finish her. I intended to use the same colors that I used on the original dragon, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen any time soon. Sorry…
If you make a dragon yourself, please let us see how it turns out.
Hello Jonni,
I love all of your animals, all of your work. I was going to make some paper mache sculptures myself but I was wondering about the life of the pieces- how do they hold up? do you have to varnish them in the end? I like the recycled aspect of this material- i am just questioning the end results sustainability. do you have any thoughts on this? thanks so much- keep up the beautiful work!
Hi Cassandra. Yes, I do suggest that you varnish your finished pieces, to protect your work from dampness in the air. To see how long they’ll last, do a quick search on eBay for “paper mache.” You’ll see dolls and other items that were made back in the 1800s. The techniques they used will vary, of course, depending on the item – but paper mache does hold up if it’s stored properly.
Have fun!
My favorite among your sculptures is your snow leopard – can you instruct us on how you made it? Lovely – also I am attempting my own using the new book from Ms. Monique Robert. Her method is a little complicated in that she uses only glue and water to hold her structures. Also there is the added stress of wondering how your sculpt will turn out as you need to cut off the individual pieces to make your inner structural casting. But her work is wonderful and I hope my leopard turns out.
Hi Joanne. I used Dan Reeder’s wire and crumpled paper armature technique to make the snow leopard. It isn’t hollow, like Monique’s sculptures, but I don’t mind the weight of it. Dan’s technique works with realistic animals as well as monsters, so I highly recommend his book.
Do you think it will work for larger objects like people? I have the armitures ready and was going to use the papermache-yet dreaded that it could attract bugs or not take to paint as well. I love the idea-one more thing-how heavy does it get?
Yes, Gretchen – it should work fine for full-sized figures. I used it on the life-sized snow leopard without a problem. It doesn’t seem to be any heavier than traditional paper strips and paste. It definitely takes paint well – I like to cover my sculptures with one coat of home-made gesso, using some of the ingredients in the clay – 1 tablespoon joint compound, 1 teaspoon Elmer’s Glue-All and a touch of white acrylic paint. This makes a very nice surface for paint, and it is easy to sand smooth, if that’s the look you’re after.
Hi Jonni,
Is the joint compound in your home-made gesso, a powder or a mud type? Thank you!
You want the mud that’s already mixed and sold in a plastic tub or bag. The powder might also work, if you mix it first, but I have not yet tried it. If you try it, please let us know how it turns out.
Thankyou for posting all of these tutorials. Which one would you say was the easiest and best for starters?
That’s a hard question, Maggie. I think that the butterflies and the bluebirds are probably the easiest for people just getting started. The bluebirds are shown in two different ways, one with traditional paper strips and paste, and one with paper mache clay. But really, the “easiest” one is the one you would most like to have when it’s finished.
Hi again but wount it be a bit chubby but then again i could change that myself we were woundering how u make a these sculptures because i tryed the bunny and it went wrong may be we could try the piggy bank and see how that goes??? (was it easy:the piggy bank?)
cya from beckie and emily
What a darling horse. Is it a miniature?
The tutorials on this site do tend to be a bit advanced, but the piggy bank is one of the easier ones. My advice is to just keep making more sculptures until you feel you’re acquiring some skill in the medium. Artists don’t create masterpieces the first time they make a sculpture, you know. It takes practice. So give the piggy bank a try, and see what happens.
Your work is amazing. You are extremely talented! Have you ever created a Shih-tzu? I would love to create one in the likeness of our Minnie Mae (or at least give it a try!)
Hi Teresa. I haven’t tried a Shih-tzu, but I do hope to some day. My father’s wife has one, and she’s delightful.
Hi i have 2 pet hamsters and i thought i would try and do a papier mache one (there dwarf) do you have any idea’s wich could help me love the animals by the way!
Hi Emily. You can use the instructions for making the lop-eared rabbit (with a different shape and ears, of course). Also check out our paper mache tutorials page.
I live in Indiana. I do not understand your measurements. They do not seem to be standard inch/foot. Why 43? how can I TRANSLATE? Hubert
Huh?
Your items are AWSOME!! I have to help my daughter create an endangered Black Footed Ferret, so we are thinking of going with paper mache… any tips on creating the body? Thanks!
Hi Michelle. I suggest making a cardboard pattern to start with. It should be made from a drawing of a ferret from the side. Legs should also be cut from cardboard. Then you can fill out the form with paper and masking tape, and apply the skin of paper mache strips and paste, or paper mache clay. I don’t have a ferret on this site, but to see how the patterns work check out the panda and echidna tutorials. And please let us see daughter’s black-footed ferret when it’s done!