This is a very short note – but I wanted to make sure you check out the latest post on Erica Takacs’ blog. She has some great step-by-step photos showing how she made an armature for her latest paper mache sculpture. Her little paper mache man has long legs, a round little body, and incredible detail on the face. Her artwork is a real inspiration.
I can imagine her armature idea being used to make a Santa – long legs, tubby tummy…
Anyway, go check it out. And sign up for her newsletter so you don’t miss any of her posts.
- My favorite online bookstore.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I have recently become hooked to Jonni’s website and have been trying my luck at several sculptures. Having a blast but have reached an impass with my blue heron sculpture- I am having difficulty making it stand on its own. I used a flexible foam with wire on either side, then used crumpled tin foil, then masking tape. The feet were made of wire, then masking tape. I then used the paper clay, positioned it, and let dry. The legs are about a foot tall. It still does not stand straight. Do you have any more ideas for me to try? Actually, when you look at an actual live blue heron, it is a wonder that they can stand on those skinny legs! I would appreciate any input. Thanks.
Balancing birds on just two legs is really hard. Can you add a solid base at the bottom, to hold it in the right position?
Jonni-thanks for the response. I am thinking I may have to add a base to stabilize. As the legs are drying though, they appear to be firming up and able to stand on their own. We will see as the rest of the piece gets finished! I must tell you how much I enjoy your blog and all the tips you share. I did paper mache years ago for costumes for my kids plays and always had fun with it. You have brought it up to the level of real art with the clay and all the techniques to make things realistic. Thanks-you have awakened something that I forgot was there!
Hi Eileen – I’m glad I could help! It sounds like you’re having fun.
Hi Jonnie,
I continue to work at the blue heron, it is all painted and looks good but will not stand on its own. So, a base is needed. I have a 2 inch thick piece of non flexible foam, covered with the clay, some paper mache cat o’ nine tails off to the side. I used a thin wooden dowel to anchor each foot into the foam and also used a rather thick spreading of the clay to sink the feet in to-it looks like he is stepping in mud. Do you think this will hold, or will I have to use something stronger like wood? Be brutal if you have to. Thanks.
Eileen
It sounds like your method will work, as long as the base is wide enough so there’s no chance of the heron falling over. I assume the dowel goes into the foam and then attaches to the lower portion of the leg? Do you have photos? I would love to see the heron – it’s one of my favorite birds.
Hi Jonni- here is the pic of the blue heron that you asked for. I tried before but it was during the difficult times you were experiencing with comments and pics. If this fails , I will try again but in the meantime I wish you a wonderful Christmas. Thanks for the wonderful gift of your knowledge that you share with us all.
Eileen, your blue heron is absolutely wonderful. Congratulations!
Thanks Jonnie- quite a compliment coming from the paper mache master! You know, you have created a monster. I am doing exactly what you say to do- sculpt every day. I recently went away for 10 days and found myself missing my “sculpture time.” Hubby thinks I’m nuts but is very supportive. So, since the heron, I have done a snapping turtle, a squirrel, and a chipmunk. I am sticking to animals I am very familiar with since I live in Pennsylvania- just like writing- I am sculpting what I know. So good for the soul. I do have a question though. Why are there different gesso recipes? Your general recipe is for animal sculptures(joint compound and glue) and your mask recipe contains glue, H2O, plaster of paris and vinegar. Is there a difference?
Hi Eileen. The biggest difference between the two is that fact that the gesso using plaster will set up in your bowl if you don’t use it up in time. I just like using the materials I already have on hand, so when I make something using PM clay, I use the gesso made with joint compound. If I’m using the fast-setting paste to make a mask, I use the plaster.
I’m glad you’re having so much fun with your daily sculptures.
Hi Jonni, thank you very much for the link to my blog. I was surprised by the unusually high traffic, until I noticed the source, your site! I have to try your clay recipe, sounds and looks great!
This flamingo was made for my daughter.
it measures just under 6′ which is stil taller then her. for the amount of material I used between gluing periods this took roughly 3 weeks to finish. to keep the cats from knocking it over it sets in her corner with a hidden wire attached to the wall. SHE JUST LOVES IT! You can also see more paper mache pics on my facebook.
Wow. I can see why your daughter loves it. Very nice.