Yesterday I started to make a paper mache horse. (See the first post here). To be slightly more accurate, it will, I hope, look like an appaloosa colt when it’s finished.
Yesterday I made a full-sized sketch and cut legs from plasterboard, using the sketch as a pattern. Today I used the same pattern to cut out the torso, neck and head of the colt out of cardboard.
Torso, Neck and Head Cut From Cardboard
You can see that I began to build up the volume of the chest and abdomen areas. I then used masking tape to attach the legs that I cut out yesterday.
Legs Attached
Legs Attached, Shown from Behind
I made sure the piece would stand up on it’s own, and it feels fairly stable.
Then I began to build up the muscles of the legs, shoulders and hips using newspaper and masking tape, and put more crumpled paper on the abdomen to round it out. I have not even started thinking about the neck and head at this point, although I am starting to get a bit worried about what I’ll make the mane and tail out of. But that’s a problem for tomorrow.
Then I put one layer of paper mache on the torso area, using newspaper strips and paste made from flour and water. The modeling isn’t even close to being finished, but I put on the paper mache because it holds much more securely than the masking tape. Once the paper and paste has dried hard I won’t have to worry about the legs moving. It also covers up the sloppy masking tape, so I can more easily see the true shape of the form.
Torso with First Layer of Paper Mache
Tomorrow I’ll round off the lower part of the legs a little, and use joint compound to finish the modeling of the muscles on the legs. I’ll use the compound instead of the paper because it’s heavier, and I think it will help make the sculpture a bit more steady on its feet. I also hope to get started on the neck and head, and figure out what to do about the main and tail – any suggestions are welcome.
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Is there a template of the horse i can print out?
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Jonni Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Hi Bugie. You can find a printable image of the horse template at http://ultimatepapermache.com/images/horsesketch.pdf. It’s a PDF file, so you can save it to your computer if you want to. If you make a horse, we’d all love to see it!
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Thanks. I will try.
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Did you ever finish the horse? If so, is it possible to show the end result and how you did it? Thanks.
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Jonni Reply:
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Yes, indeed – the horse did get finished. You can see the paper mache horse here. To see the entire series of posts showing the progress of the horse, see the links in the sidebar.
Enjoy.
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what is compound? where can i find it?
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Jonni Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
You find joint compound at the hardware store. It is used to smooth out the connection between pieces of plaster board on a new wall. It goes on like plaster, and dries hard, but it always remains water soluble so it can be smoothed with a wet sponge. When you use it with paper mache projects, it must go on over the first layer of paper mache so it has a firm foundation, and then after it is completely dry it should be covered with another layer of paper mache to protect it. A gallon container will last a very long time for your art projects, and only costs a few dollars.
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oh ok thnks il try and find it here. Albeit i still one more query. You have used plaster board for the horse’s legs but over here plaster board isnt available so instead ive used foam board to cut out the legs. The foam board is approx 0.4cm thick, but ive doubled it makin it about 1cm thick, is that sufficient enough to hold the body?
Another substiute available is high density thermocol and its about 2 inch thick.
What will be the best solution?
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Jonni Reply:
September 13th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I did use plaster board for my horse, but it turned out to be a big mistake. If I made another horse this size I’d use 1/4 inch plywood, or glue together three or four layers of corrugated cardboard. The foam board may work, too, but I haven’t tried it. The high density thermocol you mentioned might work, but I think the cardboard or plywood (or even particle board) would be better.
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I have been the horse mascot for a horse rescue project. The head of the costume they bought is made of urethane foam & is very hot. I’ve modified it for better ventilation, but decided to make a papier mache’ head for my own use. Having seen your project, I know what I’m going to do for some yard sculpture.. It won’t be finished until 2010, cuz it’s in the 40s up here in Dakota Territory, but I’ll send pictures when it is. Lots of fun.
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I hand drew the horse you made and came out pretty close, then I cut it out of card board and I am going to paper mâché it now.
Thanks for posting, it really helpede alot!
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