Ultimate Paper Mache

Kneesaa the alpaca is finished! It took a little longer than I thought it would, and I'm not excited about those false eyelashes, but I think she came out OK. I still might take the eyelashes off, though - let me know what you think of them in the comments below. Thanks to Eileen for suggesting that Kneesaa didn't need to be painted - I did add a light glaze over the paper mache clay, but the only real painting was the eyes, nose and mouth. But those eyes! If you paint directly over foam, and also cover them with nail polish, please tell me what I did wrong! I really can't figure it out, especially since one eye was fine and the other one was destroyed. Why??? And I also think the bright colors in the brush pen set would work just fine over smooth air dry clay - but the grey and black colors smudge, and never seem to fully dry. If you know of a good video that would help me learn how to use them, please leave a comment below. I think it would be fun to do a parrot or other bright bird, but not until I've figured out how to use them. This is the brand I bought (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/40H2585 If you'd like to see how the DIY gesso works for fur marks on the ram, be sure to subscribe to my channel so you don't miss it. I hope you'll subscribe to my email newsletter, too - you can do that here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/newsletter And if you're interested in the patterns for the animals behind me in the video, you can find them here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

I'm using cardboard and foil to make the armature of a paper mache animal portrait. This is Kneesaa, the alpaca from BlueDasher.farm. She got a haircut just before I met her, but I added some extra foil to make the portrait look like some of her wool had grown back in. The lightly-crumpled foil for her wool is an experiment - we'll see how well it holds up to the paper mache clay in the next step - coming soon. 😊 If you'd like to make your own sculpture of Kneesaa, I made a free PDF with the simple pattern I made and the photos I used for my models. Click the green button on this page and save the PDF to your device: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/animal-portrait This style of inner pattern can work for any kind of critter - even sculptures with four legs. You can see how they're done in this video: https://youtu.be/ywViyxgbPUg I used the same method for all of the projects in my book "Make Animal Sculptures with Paper Mache Clay." http://amzn.to/1nMUO3aYes, I used an affiliate link, even for my own book. Doesn't everybody? 😊 However, I didn't use foil for the projects in the book - I used crumpled paper and masking tape, instead. The paper is a lot less expensive, but it's a little more difficult to work with because it tries to uncrumple while you're covering it with masking tape. But either one will work. Sculpting with foil or crumpled paper is not as intuitive as working with clay, and the process doesn't look great in a video, but it makes a really strong base for a paper mache sculpture. When you make a sculpture or mask with wet clay or oil-based clay as the form, the paper mache has to be cut apart after it dries and the clay removed. That's an extra step, and I didn't want to do it for this alpaca sculpture. Be sure to watch for the next video, when I add the paper mache clay to the alpaca, and answer as many questions about paper mache clay as I can. "Peruvian" music from epidemicsound.com - I tried to find real music from the alpaca's homeland, but is the best I could do. ☺️

I am so excited about this book about sculpting with cardboard it that I had to let you know about it. It is written for students, but older artists will enjoy the projects, too. And you don't have to stop with just cardboard - the shapes he shows us how to make would also make great forms for paper mache. The "Art Shaped" book can be found here on amazon.com: https://amzn.to/46I24Ts The "Paper Sculpture" book that I recommend for younger artists can be found here: https://amzn.to/476TtJN And if you want to stick with paper mache, you can find my book, "Make Animal Sculptures with Paper Mache Clay" here: https://amzn.to/3FBeCAk Darrell Wakelam's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@darrellwakelam5597 Those are all affiliate links, of course, but you can search for them if you want to. I also included some other resources for sculpting with cardboard, including a link to an inexpensive online course, in my latest weekly newsletter. You can see it (and sign up for the newsletter) here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/newsletter

Is it actually possible that there's an easy way to make paper mache clay with DAP drywall joint compound, even though I've been telling you for years that it won't work? Yes, evidently it is. Thanks to @rhearogue3970 who shared the tip. Link to the original recipe for Paper Mache Clay: https://youtu.be/1YQ6eUqcEh8 Link to page with patterns for all the sculptures and masks behind me in the video: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns The Gorilla Wood Glue that I used in this experiment: https://amzn.to/46DNRa0 That's an amazon.com affiliate link, but I just bought mine at the little hardware store down the street from me. It's probably easy to find in any DIY store, but they have a lot of different kinds of glue. This is the only one that's been tested with the DAP drywall joint compound for paper mache clay. Sign up for my weekly email newsletter, and receive practical advice and creative tips, plus exciting projects and tutorials every Friday – all right in your inbox: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/newsletter Video chapters: 0:00 Is it possible to use DAP for paper mache clay? Let's find out... 0:15 What usually happens when you mix DAP joint compound with Elmer's Glue-All 0:41 Wurth joint compound doesn't work with Elmer's, either 0:48 Getting a tip from Rhea about Gorilla Wood Glue as a substitute for Elmer's 1:29 Mixing the DAP with the Gorilla Glue 2:21 Making a small batch of paper mache clay 2:54 The test sculpt after drying in the oven 3:18 Why you might need to do your own tests 3:49 Conclusion

The bold black and white stripes on this paper mache Zebra headdress mask will make you stand out in the crowd - or on stage. But but don't paint those stripes the hard way, like I did. 😋 I painted the stripes backwards (you'll do it much faster than I did), but I painted the eyes quickly, and they look great. There's a light yellow line along the bottom, so they can be clearly seen, even from a distance. I had no idea that zebras have such beautiful eyes before I did my research for this project! If you'd like to make a zebra headdress mask yourself, you can find my new pattern here: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/zebra-mask My video about paper mache paste vs. wood glue is here: https://youtu.be/ED1wEuHOxxk The video showing how to make the marks with paper mache clay is here: https://youtu.be/nWrk5InHPRM And the patterns for all the sculptures and masks behind me in the video (and many more) can be found here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 00:18 Why you won't want to paint the stripes like I did 00:33 Adding the paper mache (no, you don't have to use the brown paper if you don't have any. Newspaper works just fine. 01:06 Adding texture on the mane. Paper mache clay would be easier, if you have all the ingredients. See the tiger fur video for details. 01:24 Why the zebra eyes can be seen on stage, even though the stripes are trying to take all the attention 01:45 How the black and white straps (shoelaces) help balance the zebra on top of your head 02:26 How I painted the zebra stripes (and how you could paint those stripes lot faster than I did) 04:11 Painting the zebra's eyes 05:10 Adding the cords to keep the headdress mask balanced on your head 06:32 How to show off your own zebra mask on the Daily Sculptors page on my website

Lately, I've been using both cooked flour and water paste and Titebond III wood glue for traditional paper mache. But which one is best for your next project? 🦁 If you'd like to see the patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video, you can find them (and many more) here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns Also, visit my latest blog post: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/wood-glue-or-paste Do you have a favorite paper mache paste recipe? Let us know in the comments below. 😊 Links mentioned in the video (if I forget one, please let me know): Cooked flour and water paste recipe: https://youtu.be/K0w82bQcnMU Using wood Glue for theater masks: https://youtu.be/t9oL1ZZfs5E 5 Easy Tips for Smooth Paper Strips and Paste: https://youtu.be/sjllW9Xpkow Using Joint Compound to Make Paper Mache Smooth: https://youtu.be/Ad2iLa201kA

Put a smile on your chimp mask, and watch people grin when they see you wearing it. 😊 I painted my chimpanzee mask really fast, but the paper mache wrinkles that I put on him in the last video makes him look nice. You might want to spend a little more time painting yours, of course. Before you do, be sure to look at photos of chimpanzee faces before you start painting. Every chimpanzee face different, just like ours are, so choose the one you like best for your model. You can use my chimp mask template if you'd like - there is a small charge for it, of course. You can find it at https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/chimp-mask 😁 Looking for a mask pattern that isn't quite as silly as this one? You can find all my sculpture and mask patterns for paper mache here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Now that the chimpanzee mask has his paper mache wrinkles, he's almost done. I should be able to get him painted sometime this week, so watch for the next video if you'd like to see how he comes out. 🐵And if you have a good idea for those tufts of hair that go in front of his ears, be sure to let me know in a comment below, or on this page of my site: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/chimp-face-wrinkles 🐰You can find that white rabbit mask at: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/bunnymask 😀Douglas Witt's post, asking for help with his new book, is here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/attention-all-commedia-dellarte-enthusiasts Cooked flour and water paste recipe: https://youtu.be/K0w82bQcnMU Elephant skin video: https://youtu.be/Iex92DvAzNs In today's chimp video I said the elephant skin was made using the DIY gesso recipe, but I actually put the towels right over some wet paper mache clay. It was a long time ago, and that video is really old - but the wrinkles worked really well. Here's a newer elephant skin video with crackle glaze: https://youtu.be/KyzcKB5GaDg I'll put a link to the finished chimpanzee mask as soon as he's done - be sure to watch for it, and the new pit bull and clownfish masks, too. 😊 Sunshine Music by https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/ Acoustic Motivation Music by Coma-Media https://pixabay.com/users/coma-media-24399569/ Reflected Light https://www.youtube.com/c/SergePavkinMusic

The previous video, which shows how I mixed my methylcellulose paste, is here: https://youtu.be/Ni4FLqZoOYo I read all the comments on that video, and that encouraged me to do one more test to make sure the paste made with food-grade methylcellulose would still be sticky, even after sitting on the shelf for a month. At first it didn't look like it was working at all! But I just needed to mix it up a little, and it was just as good as it was the first time. So if you bought some after watching the first video, and you put the left-over paste on the shelf like I told you to, it will still work. Just make sure to mix it up again. You don't need to get out your mixer - just turn the jar over a few times. 😊 This is the brand of methylcellulose that I used, from the Modernist Pantry: https://amzn.to/43qs8jN This paste will work with any of the patterns for the animals you see behind me in the video (shameless plug 😊) You can find them here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

This Ogre mask pattern is very different from my usual style, but that's why it was so much fun for me to make. Sometimes you just need a project that you can't possibly do wrong. Someday I may take a bit more time and paint this fellow a different way, and I'd move that silly eyebrow - but it doesn't have to be perfect. It's an Ogre, after all. 😊 My "Fast Faces" book I waved at you at the beginning of the video was the top-selling book in the sculpture category when it first came out, and it's still getting great reviews. It can be found on Amazon.com here: https://amzn.to/2DSNXfG There are two other videos in this series that show how the pattern pieces of the Ogre mask are put together, and how some details are added with foil and masking tape. You can find them here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/ogre Have fun!

Jessie and I went on a field trip - because why should kids have all the fun? I bought some raw honey, Jessie practiced plein air painting to get ready for an event in Wisconsin, and Christina introduced us to pigs, sheep, chickens, and alpacas! You can order honey and some delightful notecards and stickers featuring the animals we just met, and learn about the Blue Dasher Farm's research projects, at https://www.bluedasher.farm/ See Jessie's latest paintings, find the galleries where she shows her oil paintings, and take a look at her busy upcoming schedule at https://jessierasche.com/ Jessie painted the ram today as practice for her participation as a "Juried competition class artist" at the Paint Grand Traverse plein air event in Traverse City, MI, beginning on June 18. She's listed as a Featured Artist on this page: https://www.paintgrandtraverse.com/index.php/artist/jessie-rasche And when she got home she painted one of the farm's black cochin roosters. To see it, scroll down past the video on this page: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/painting-honey-and-alpacas 😊And remember to visit me, too, at https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/

I don't know if we're 'supposed' to use colored pencils over acrylic paint, but it is a fast way to get some 'faux fur marks' on your 'faux trophy mount' jackrabbit. And it certainly looks different than using little brushes and paint, like we usually do. 😊 You can download the pattern, for a small charge, on this page: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/jackrabbit The acrylic paint colors I used for this jackrabbit were yellow ochre, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, white and black. I just used random pencils from the pencil box for the fur and inside the ears. A lot of jackrabbits are much more grey than brown or yellow, so be sure to do a Google image search for photos you can use for models. Some of them even have colored patterns on their muzzle, which looks really nice. The pencils I used are Faber-Castel Polychromous Colored Pencils. They're water-resistant, and the final coat of varnish didn't cause any damage. They happen to be on sale right now as I'm typing this, but they are usually pretty expensive. You can find them on amazon.com here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/42h1J7d

If you've looked for Elmer's Art Paste recently, you know they don't sell it anymore. But there is an alternative that works even better - and like the Art Paste, it doesn't attract mold or mildew. Pure Methylcellulose is available for a lot of different uses. I couldn't find a version that was specifically made for paste, so it didn't come with instructions for mixing it. I just used the same method for mixing that came with the old Elmer's Art Paste, using 2 oz in one gallon of cold water (or 1/2 oz in a quart of cold water). Helpful links (some of them are affiliate links): Pure Methylcellulose from the Modernist Pantry: https://amzn.to/43qs8jN Video about applying paper strips and paste to a sculpture: https://youtu.be/sjllW9Xpkow Battery0operated fan for drying paper mache fast: https://amzn.to/3MxD8oP How to make a paper mache mask: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-african-mask Be sure to visit my website, too: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/elmers-art-paste-alternative-methylcellulose

I experimented again, and I really like the way the horns looked after I painted the bongo antelope. I probably wouldn't paint his face the same way again, though, because the colors would be a lot brighter if it was painted the traditional way, with a base coat of white gesso. The pattern for the bongo antelope is now online, and you can download it for a small charge and make an antelope of your own. This is not a fast project, because the antelope horns are really long and the pieces take time to tape together. But when it's done, I think it would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves African animals. You can find the pattern here: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/antelope Be sure to let me know what you think of this project - your feedback is always appreciated. 😊 You can see the photo I used as my model for the colors here: https://cincinnatizoo.org/animals/bongo/#gallery That antelope with the crazy horns I mentioned (a Giant Eland): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragelaphini You can find the antelope with horns that look like they have rope wound around them is called an Impala - do a Google search to find them. Most of them have thinner horns than the bongo, but I think it would still be possible to get it to work, with a bit of experimentation. If you make an antelope of any kind, either using my pattern or made from scratch, please show it off on the Daily Sculptors page on my site. We'd love to see how it comes out. Chapters: 0:00 Intro - which part of the experiment worked, and what I'd do differently next time 0:45 Other antelopes you could make with the pattern, by changing the horns 2:00 Adding the paper mache 2:54 Brushing on some texture with Acrylic Soft Gel 3:34 Painting the horns - Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber and White, plus Golden brand Glazing Liquid and water 4:38 Painting the reddish brown - Burnt Umber and Burnt Sienna with glazing liquid and water 5:33 Painting the black nose and spots - Black with some of the brown added to warm it up 7:00 Painting the light spots and stripes - White mixed with a small amount of yellow ochre with some pure white areas, too 8:23 Paint the eyes - Alizarin Crimson and Cadmium Yellow Light 8:50 Making a few adjustments, filling in bare spots and adding fur texture to the white cheeks 9:19 Adding the fake eyelashes 10:53 Adding fingernail polish to the eyes 11:17 Conclusion

This isn't the way you're "supposed" to make taxidermy eyes, and we still need to do some more experiments. But I think it has real promise. I don't know why it feels so much easier to me to paint on paper than glass. It was fun to see how different the eyes looked after the glass was added - even the ones I painted really fast. To see how to paint directly on the back of the glass, see Pia's post here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/paint-glass-eyes If you have any interest in painting landscapes, don't miss Jessie's "Simplified Landscapes" workshop. You can learn more about it here: https://paintingclassesonline.com/product/simplified-landscapes/ If you'd like to sculpt a bongo antelope from scratch, you can see my two videos about the one I made 9 years ago here (but remember that I was doing a lot of experiments when I made him, and I wouldn't necessarily do it the same way now): Making the bongo armature: https://youtu.be/WsCSnDbclSw Adding the paper mache: https://youtu.be/O2xaVlK1lAQ Be sure to subscribe if you'd like to be notified when my new bongo antelope pattern is finished. Or just check this page: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns You can see what the glass cabochons look like, before painting, here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3U3E7jY

https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/lamb My new lamb pattern goes together fast, and adding the wool was a lot of fun. It did take longer to dry than usual, though, because I used a thicker layer of paper mache clay than I normally do. It isn't an 'instant' project, but I really like the way she came out. I'm keeping my lamb on my bookshelf, but she'd also make a nice photo prop for a newborn baby. The slightly larger lamb would be perfect for a Christmas creche, where she'd be seen from a little further away. This is the first sculpture pattern I've made so far that comes with two different sizes included with the downloadable file. If you'd like to make a lamb with my pattern, you can find it here, for a small charge: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/lamb One of the best parts of this project was having an opportunity to look at dozens of photos of real lambs - what adorable creatures! They come in a lot more colors and patterns than I realized, and some of them even have curly wool. So cute! You can find the recipe for paper mache clay here: https://youtu.be/1YQ6eUqcEh8 If you'd like to see how I made the new version of paper mache clay with DAP joint compound and home-made glue, you can find that video here: https://youtu.be/_JGLdN3A4wk You can find all of my patterns for sculptures and masks here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns Have fun! Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:37 Taping the lamb pattern together 0:45 Putting paper strips on the lamb's face and hoof 1:01 Adding the paper mache clay 1:21 Stamping the PM clay with a crumpled ball of foil 1:59 Testing the stamp with two different versions of paper mache clay 3:07 Making sure wet clay can be added over dry seamlessly 3:34 Why it took longer than usual for the lamb to dry 3:56 Making a new foil stamp when the old one gets too flat 4:17 Putting the wool on the head and ears 5:55 Painting the black and white lamb 6:36 Conclusion

After waiting way too long to try this, I finally found an easy way to make Paper Mache Clay with the DAP brand of drywall joint compound. It takes slightly more time, because you need to first make some home-made glue. I show you how to make the glue in the video, but if you'd prefer a written version, you can find it on this post: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-clay-with-dap Rich's original DIY glue video on his Ghoulish Cop channel: https://youtu.be/OHEz0I8qhK0 The original paper mache clay recipe - just replace the Elmer's glue with the home-made glue, and at the end add as much flour as you need to get the consistency you want: https://youtu.be/1YQ6eUqcEh8 How to use joint compound to make paper mache smooth without sanding: https://youtu.be/Ad2iLa201kA To see how I made that bunny I used to test the new paper mache clay: https://youtu.be/ZDWO-jeXhls And to see the patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video, click here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns Time Stamps: 0:00 Why we need a DIY glue recipe to use DAP joint compound to make paper mache clay 00:56 Where the "new" DIY glue recipe came from (thanks to Rich, the Ghoulish Cop) 2:45 Making the liquid starch 7:01 Using the DIY glue to make paper mache clay 9:05 Testing the paper mache clay with the DIY glue 11:41 Results of the test 14:11 Conclusion

🐰 This paper mache lop-eared bunny wasn't made the way I usually sculpt with paper mache, but it can be a lot of fun. I do use clay under paper mache a lot when I make masks, because it's easy to to get the clay out of a mask after the paper mache is dry. With a complete sculpture, it can be a little more challenging, though. But this little bunny's shapes are so simple that it wasn't a problem this time. I'll be using this same method, but with slightly different materials, when I start making outdoor sculptures with the paper cement clay. If you'd like to see how I made another lop-eared rabbit, years ago, using an armature made with crumpled paper and masking tape, click here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-bunny-sculpture This video shows how I make the cooked flour and water paste: https://youtu.be/K0w82bQcnMU And you can see my book, where I explain how to use a pattern inside an animal sculpture, here: http://amzn.to/1nMUO3a If you'd like to see a mask made with clay covered with paper mache, click here: https://youtu.be/BBqBnrtAwUQ The clay I'm using in the video is WED clay, available here: https://amzn.to/3ZB8AYI And the Sargent Plastilina, an oil-based modeling clay that you could use instead, is available here: https://amzn.to/3mH2APH If you'd like to see the patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video, click here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns 🐑 I'm working on a lamb pattern now - it should show up on that page in a few weeks, so be sure to watch for it. This is a reader-supported channel. When you buy through links on this post I may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for your support! 🙂

🐻I'm going to put my bear mask on the wall, so I added eyes made with small foam balls. I did run into a little problem - OK, a really big problem - but it was easy to fix. And I learned something about my materials that I didn't know before. It's a mistake I won't have to make again. You'll also notice that I sneaked in a rant about the air dry clay I bought. Thanks to everyone who left a suggestion on the last video, with ideas for what I should make when I played with the air dry clay. That's not going to happen, but I will be making almost everything on that list sometime this year. What a wonderful list of possible animals to create! The first one is coming soon. If you haven't seen the ideas that were suggested, you can see that video here: https://youtu.be/CWHSR2nDtDM 🐰And the Folk Art Bunny project, using a commercial air dry clay product that didn't crack, is here: https://youtu.be/3-R7N7N6ieM You can see how I painted the grizzly bear here: https://youtu.be/8mpYuh8s-10 And how I sculpted his fur here: https://youtu.be/nWrk5InHPRM Video Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:40 Warning about boo boo I made when painting the eyes 1:02 Discussion about my intended air dry clay project 3:14 Painting the foam balls white 4:08 Putting Magic Sculpt behind the bear mask's nostrils 4:51 Taping the foam eyes to the back of the mask 5:23 The first layer of acrylic paint - burn sienna and raw sienna 5:53 Second layer of paint - burnt umber added to darken the color 6:14 Painting the black pupils and around the edges of the eyes 6:32 Painting the white reflection 6:54 Painting a light edge on the fur under the eyes 7:27 Nail Polish catastrophe 8:10 New eye replaces destroyed eye 8:21 How to avoid the issue in the future 10:18 Another short rant about the air dry clay I bought 11:18 Conclusions If you'd like to see the patterns for the sculptures and masks behind me in the video, you can find them here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

A lot of people are getting anxious to know how my experiment with the paper cement clay is working out. I put up the recipes in July, 2022, and then made the sculpture of a toad sitting on a squash leaf that you see in this video. The toad has been outside since early August, in hot sun and very cold snow. The snow melted enough for me to find him this morning, so I checked to see how he's doing. Links to things mentioned in the video: Paper Cement Clay Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/8JzjIZVlSd8 Written Recipes, with and without drywall joint compound: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/weatherproof-paper-mache-clay Folk Art Bunny: https://youtu.be/3-R7N7N6ieM Gnome Tutorial: https://youtu.be/xXSsRo59Kwo Gnome Update (about the paint): https://youtu.be/gyqsBl2jBqI Leaf Casting made with paper cement clay: https://youtu.be/4RSWObvnFgI Starting the toad sculpture, with pattern: https://youtu.be/HWq_aH5cE5c Painting the toad: https://youtu.be/b28VJwvbeOk Several people have created sculptures with the recipe, including Michele's lizard, Anthony's Frankenstein's monster, and Janice's very tall giraffe. I'm sure there are more, and we hope to hear back from them in the spring to find out how well their sculptures are holding up. I'll put links to those projects on the post that goes with this video, here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/paper-cement-clay-update-2

I finished painting the grizzly bear mask. It was really fun to see how the sculpted fur looked after it was painted. If you missed video about sculpting the fur, using a piece of tin foil for a "sculpting tool," you can see it here: https://youtu.be/HqGDTX03jM8 If you'd like to make a grizzly bear, either as a wearable mask or a wall sculpture, you can find it here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/grizzly

My grizzly bear mask pattern isn't online yet (I'll put a link here when it's available) but this way of sculpting bear fur worked so well that I couldn't wait to show it to you. For the really wild areas on the bear's head I crumpled the foil "tool" so it was slightly zig-zaggy (that's a word, isn't it?) and it added even more of a wild look to the fur. I used a very thin layer of paper mache clay over the cardboard mask. To make a thin layer, leave out some of the flour in the recipe. You can find the recipe here: https://youtu.be/1YQ6eUqcEh8 Do you have any tips for sculpting 'wild' fur? Let us know in the comments below. Although the grizzly bear pattern isn't online quite yet, you can find my other mask and sculpting patterns here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

This experiment with "Tape Mache" wasn't quite as much fun as the first one. But it was a lot of fun seeing all the suggestions that were posted by viewers here on YouTube, and on my website. Maybe I'd be more exited about this tape as an option for fast, temporary masks if I hadn't tried the medical-type Nexcare tape first. That tape is soft and flexible, tears easily, goes on fast ans sticks really well. The wet and stick tape is stiff, which makes it usable for masks without any cardboard underneath. It might be a good choice for kids. But for the rest of us, the old-fashioned newspaper strips with flour and water paste is actually easier to use. But maybe I missed something - if you think this might work in more situations than I could think of, please let us know in the comments below. You can find the video that inspired my experiments here: https://youtu.be/I1oFtTLiYLA My first experiment, with the Nexcare tape, is here: https://youtu.be/QhQqVHsddlA Link to the gummed paper tape I used for this experiment: https://amzn.to/3YDHork - it's possible that a different brand would stick better or work better in other ways. This tape is normally used to stretch watercolor paper or seal the back of framed art. If you'd like to try flour and water paste instead, you can find lots of recipes here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-recipes And if you need a mask for your next party of for the Lion King Jr. play, you can find my patterns here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

These downloadable bird mask patterns are made with cereal box cardboard and paper mache. They tape together quickly, so you can get right to the fun part - adding your paint, feathers and imagination to create unique masks for Mardi Gras, Halloween or a fancy dress party. You can now find the templates for these three masks at https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/bird-masks The birds in this mask collection are an Umbrella Cockatoo, a Himalayan Monal Pheasant, and a Guinea Turaco. If you'd like to see the video about tape mache, something I experimented with last week, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/QhQqVHsddlA I used some paints I've never used before when I finished these bird masks, and although they aren't essential, they were a lot of fun to play with. I bought the feathers from amazon.com, but you could make your own feathers if you want to. I have a video showing you how here: https://youtu.be/RRuUkN2ujf8 The paints I kept mentioning in the video: FolkArt Flash Iridescent Top Coat: https://amzn.to/3WZuPFG The Crafters Workshop Modeling Paste: https://amzn.to/3JD4tGc Metallic Acrylic Paint - set of 20 colors: https://amzn.to/3wRnI7G Folk art Flash Iridescent paint: https://amzn.to/3Ym9G9Q If I missed any links that I should have included, please let me know. And if you know of a glue that could be used instead of the E6000 in cases where the hot glue might not be strong enough, please put your recommendation in the comments below. You can find the patterns for all the critters behind me in the video here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns And, of course, some of the links above are affiliate links - thanks for your support! 😊

Tape mache - could it work as a substitute for 'real' paper mache? I think it's promising for temporary projects, like masks, but there are both pros and cons for the idea. Let us know what you think of the idea in the comments below. If we can find the kind of tape that was used in the video on the @Mr. Otter Art Studio YT channel, we could do a lot more experiments. It looked much more 'paper mache-like' than the tape I used. You can find the video that inspired my experiments here: https://youtu.be/I1oFtTLiYLA The name of the tape she used in that video is Creativity Street Wet N' Stick Art Tape, and it's "Currently unavailable" on the only listing that I found online. You can check the link if you'd like to see what the product looks like: https://amzn.to/3WKOjxE The Nextape Gentle Paper Tape that I used in my video is on amazon here: https://amzn.to/3wy5d7U If you'd like to play around with the idea to make a fast mask, you could use the fast, free blank mask form, here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/easy-diy-blank-mask-form I really wouldn't use the tape for artwork that you hope to keep for a long time, or for masks that will be used in a play. Real paper mache is much better for permanent work, but the tape is kind of fun to play with. You can see the patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video here: https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns And if I ever get the feathers on those silly bird masks, I'll put the patterns for them on that page, too. 😊 Some of the links above may be affiliate links - thanks for your support! 😊