Tape Mache - No-Mess Paper Mache for Masks??? @UltimatePaperMache

Ultimate Paper Mache 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: 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: amzn.to/3WKOjxE

The Nextape Gentle Paper Tape that I used in my video is on amazon here: 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: 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: 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! 😊

updated 1 year ago

Tape Mache - No-Mess Paper Mache for Masks???

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-01-27 | 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: 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: amzn.to/3WKOjxE

The Nextape Gentle Paper Tape that I used in my video is on amazon here: 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: 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: 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! 😊

Change The Size Of Paper Mache Sculpture and Mask Patterns

Ultimate Paper Mache 2024-03-22 | If you like my sculpture and mask patterns, but you'd like to make your sculpture either larger or smaller, this video will show you how. I also show you how to make the headdress masks fit any size head.

To see screenshots of the process, click here: ultimatepapermache.com/changing-the-pattern-size

You can find all of my patterns here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

And for a free eBook with my five favorite paper mache recipes, including my original recipe for paper mache clay, sign up here: ultimatepapermache.com/lp-5-paper-mache-recipes

Have fun! 😊

How Do Artists Retire?

Ultimate Paper Mache 2024-03-15 | So, I told a few people that I was ready to retire. I'm of an age when people usually do, after all. But what would 'retirement' actually look like, if I kept doing the same things I'm doing now? I have two hobbies - gardening, and designing paper mache sculptures and masks. I don't expect to stop doing either one of them, so how would retirement be any different?

Are you an artist who retired from your business? Do you know anyone who has, or have you ever thought about how it would work? Let us know in the comments below.

Links:
My patterns for paper mache sculptures and masks: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Doreen McNeill's website: doreenmcneill.co.nz/new
Video: youtu.be/PnnVzpO5nRE
Follow-up Video: youtu.be/4A54elcCrTs

Carmen Cicero Video: youtu.be/WxcDRQPB-z8

Get my free printable PDF: "5 Best Recipes for Paper Mache." Easy paste recipes, plus my famous Paper Mache Clay recipe and tips on choosing the right recipe for your next project. Sign up for it here: ultimatepapermache.com/lp-5-paper-mache-recipes

Lessons Learned: Making a Giant Paper Mache Dragon

Ultimate Paper Mache 2024-03-01 | It's time to take another look at the giant paper mache dragon I made eleven years ago. (I can't believe it's been that long!)

In this video, I share my honest thoughts on what went right - and what I would do differently if I made something like this again. Are you thinking about making a sculpture with paper mache that's bigger than you are? Be sure to watch this video first - I've learned some valuable lessons after all this time. 😊

Links mentioned in the video:

The original Giant Dragon playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5CaQCiXYd0v2FviA-Hjq4OvA7gbn93Wf

My Book, Make Animal Sculptures with Paper Mache Clay: http://amzn.to/1nMUO3a (affiliate link, of course. 😊)

Dragon head wall sculpture pattern: ultimatepapermache.com/dragon-pattern

Dragon mask pattern: ultimatepapermache.com/dragon-mask

How to use paper mache over wet clay: youtu.be/BBqBnrtAwUQ

How to make flat internal patterns for animal sculptures: youtu.be/ywViyxgbPUg

You can see all my latest mask and sculpture patterns here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

If I forgot any links, please let me know. And if you can think of any more things I should do differently when I make another "life-sized" paper mache dragon, let us all know in the comments below. 😊

Make Winnie The Pooh withPaper Mache

Ultimate Paper Mache 2024-02-24 | 😊 This was a fun, easy project - but I could have made Winnie the Pooh faster if I'd done a little planning in advance. But it's fun to just start out and figure things out as you go, as long as you're not making a 'serious' sculpture.

This one will be sent to the newest member of our family, along with the classic edition of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne. If you haven't read it recently, you can find it on Amazon.com here: amzn.to/3OUQOfy

If you make a lot of paper mache armatures with crumpled paper and masking tape, you might want to try the "Kitchen Stickin’® Tape Dispenser." I made the mistake of replacing the nice tape it came with, and using cheaper masking tape instead. My masking tape didn't stick as well - but it still went a lot faster than pulling it off the roll by hand. You can find the dispenser on amazon.com here: amzn.to/3uOzy4T

And you can also find my book "Make Animal Sculptures with Paper Mache Clay on amazon.com here: amzn.to/4bOEzLq
(Those are all affiliate links, of course. 😊)

You can find the recipe for cooked flour and water paste here: youtu.be/K0w82bQcnMU

The video showing how to put paper strips and paste on an armature: youtu.be/sjllW9Xpkow

And if you'd like to see a written tutorial about making the paper mache Winnie the Pooh, along with some screenshots, you can find it here: ultimatepapermache.com/pooh-bear

Have fun

Make Colored Paper Mache Clay

Ultimate Paper Mache 2024-02-09 | For years, I've intended to try powdered pigments to make colored paper mache clay. I finally did the experiment yesterday, and I've really excited about the results. Now I'm thinking up lots of projects that I could make with colored paper mache clay - and I hope you'll share some ideas, too. 😊

You can find the original paper mache clay recipe here: ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-recipes

That little piggy I showed you is in one of my books - you can find it here: http://amzn.to/1nMUO3a (affiliate link)

The three-color set of powdered pigments that I'm using in the video: amzn.to/42xdfx6 (affiliate link)

The site I found with more colors, and smaller containers: jacksonsart.com/en-us/color/pigments-powders/pigments

The Pre-Coumbian Chiesco painted olla that I used as my model (sort of): https://shorturl.at/dek14

And you can find patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video (and many more) here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Painting The Eyes And Muzzle On The New Alpaca

Ultimate Paper Mache 2024-02-01 | This is the final step in completing the new pattern for an Alpaca Sculpture. If you'd like to make a sculpture of your own using my pattern you can find it here: ultimatepapermache.com/alpaca-pattern
All of the videos for this project can be found on that page, too.

This pattern was based on an alpaca sculpture that I made a few months ago. You can find the first video in that series here: youtu.be/ASSXRFHc8tE

That pattern is slightly different from the original. I like the new neck a lot better, and I like the eyes better, too. If you look at them both, let me know what you think of the changes I made.

You can find patterns for all of the masks and sculptures behind me in the videos, and many more, here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Sculpt The Mad Hatter with WED Clay

Ultimate Paper Mache 2024-01-20 | This 'just for fun' sculpture took just a few hours. I think it came fairly close to the original drawing of the Mad Hatter by John Tenniel, for ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ by Lewis Carroll. A few more hours would have given me time to add details like wrinkles, maybe get the eyes the same size...

But I did have other things to do. 😊

You can find the pattern for the face-sculpting form that I used in the video here: ultimatepapermache.com/face-sculpting-form
There is a small charge for the pattern, and if you're just playing around like I was when I sculpted the Mad Hatter, you don't really need a form. But it is a lot faster than creating an armature out of wire, in the traditional way.

I used WED clay for this sculpture, available here: amzn.to/47K73Ts
You might be able to find it at your local pottery supply store, or ask them to order it for you. It's usually less expensive that way.

If you'd like to learn more about sculpting a portrait based on an outline, try to find an affordable copy of "Sculpting Made Easy" by Catherine Barjansky. I bought a used copy years ago, when it was just a few dollars. The least expensive one ($35) I could find in a fast search today was on Etsy, but you might have better luck if you do your own search. If you have any interest in sculpting portraits, I highly recommend it.

To see a current artist using this method, check out Amelia Rowcroft's sculpture of Robin Williams here: youtu.be/MDtZ562Sgqc
You'll find a link to her sculpting classes below her video. If you've taken any of her classes, please let us know what you thought of them in the comments below.

You can find my book "Make Animal Sculpture with Paper Mache Clay" here: http://amzn.to/1nMUO3a

And if I forgot to include a link to something I mentioned in the video, please let me know. Also, if you like videos like this and you'd like me to make more, let me know that, too. 😊

Note: some of the links above are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

Using Schleich Animals to Learn to Draw and Sculpt

Ultimate Paper Mache 2024-01-12 | Our local feed store carries the Schleich line of toy animals, and I tend to add a new one to my cart whenever I go in for chicken food. They have lots of wild animals, and farm animals, and even some dinosaurs. Some of them aren't as realistic as others, but most of them make good reference materials for a drawing or sculpture.

I just found the Volnau brand of tiny animals that include sea creatures, too. From the photos, they look quite realistic, but I haven't seen any of them up close yet. Their sets include more animals than the Schleich brand, so that might be a better way to build up a collection.

If your farm store doesn't carry them, you can find the Schleich collections on amazon.com here: amzn.to/48w6VIa

And you can see the Volnau collections here: amzn.to/48RZCKC

If you'd like to read Temple Grandin's book that I mentioned at the front of the video, you can find it here: amzn.to/47AWDp3
And I think the book that talked about the depressed liopard was "Animals in Translation:" amzn.to/47xfdym

All of the links to amazon.com are affiliate links.

You can see the ram mask pattern that I mentioned here: ultimatepapermache.com/ram-mask

And you can see patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video (plus many more) here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

If you'd like to see how I sculpted the original alpaca, the first video in that series is here: youtu.be/ASSXRFHc8tE

The 3D pattern that you just saw in progress should be finished next week - I still have to paint her, and then write the instructions, but it should be done soon.

If I forgot to link to anything I mentioned in the video, please let me know.

Paper Mache Casting With Li Qua Che

Ultimate Paper Mache 2024-01-06 | I've used Li-Qua-Che before, a long time ago. I've been thinking about a few projects that would be fun to make, and they'd be perfect as paper mache castings, so I did a quick experiment to remind myself how this product works. The product is non-toxic and much safer to use than resin, and the molds are cheap. The paper mache castings are very lightweight and fun to paint - but they'd need to be supported with a wooden plaque or backed with a thin layer of paper mache clay. The gallon of Li Qua Che cost about $35. The plaster is cheap, and available in any hardware store.

To see this post on my blog, click here: ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-casting-with-li-qua-che

If you make many copies of your sculpture, you'd want to use a stronger plaster. They make some specifically for potters, who use clay slip in plaster molds. The Li-Qua-Che works exactly the same way as clay slip, but you don't need a kiln (and it isn't waterproof).

The Li-Qua-Che is available in two different sizes, on amazon.com. I got the gallon size, because it wasn't much more expensive then the quart. You can find it here: amzn.to/47ygup2

I mentioned several prior videos and posts - if I forget to link to one of them, let me know. :)

David Lemon's video about the NSP Soft oil-based clay: youtu.be/F9wKmKyYuw0?si=cmUwi9HLAHYCLLW7
The Christmas ornaments post: ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-ornaments
Wolf Man video: youtu.be/N7u6gtHlY2A
Lodge Brother video: youtu.be/fw87iVwIiA0

You can find patterns for all the masks and sculptures behind me in the video here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Accelerate Your Artistic Growth: The Power of Sharing and Teaching Online

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-12-22 | Are you just starting to learn a new medium or craft? In this video I share the game-changing method I used—three different times—to "learn out loud," by building a website and teaching others. See how this can turbocharge your learning process while also creating a supportive community. The feedback you receive might give you ideas that you would never come up with by yourself.

For this video I took a walk down memory lane, all the way back to my first website in 2002. I built it to have an excuse to learn how to make animations with Flash. A year later, I built the Drawfluffy site to learn how to draw the mythical animals from the Harry Potter books. Then I learned how to build affiliate sites, which helped me escape my last job in 2006. Two years later, in 2008, I was back with another website, UltimatePaperMache.com

😄 Learning out loud - it works!

Links mentioned:
The book "Show Your Work" : amzn.to/3vcIpxa

Miles Beckler's channel about affiliate marketing, among other things: youtube.com/@MilesB/videos

(You'll want to use your discretion when watching marketing videos - they tend to exaggerate, but Miles doesn't usually stretch it too far. 😄 )

SendOwl - the service that helps me distribute my downloadable patterns: https://www.sendowl.com?r=UPM

You can find patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video here: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/patterns

My book, "Make Animal Sculptures with Paper Mache Clay": http://amzn.to/1nMUO3a

Some of the links are affiliate links - thanks for your support! 😄

New Paper Mache Rhino Mask Pattern

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-12-15 | I had a lot of fun painting this new rhino mask, and it was really fast. Most people will probably want to take a bit more time than I did - but I do enjoy experimenting. The warm grey gives him a metallic look, don't you think?

I used the paper towels to give him a few wrinkles. I did the same thing last month to put some texture on the ram's horns. It's an easy way to add details, but next time I'll try to find a paper towel brand that has bigger bumps. 😊

You can make a rhino mask with my pattern - there's a small charge for it, and you can find it here: ultimatepapermache.com/rhino-mask

Paper mache paste recipes: ultimatepapermache.com/recipes
About using wood glue for a strong mask: youtu.be/t9oL1ZZfs5E

And all of the patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video, and many more, can be found here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Happy sculpting!

Painting a Wolf Head Wall Sculpture

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-12-08 | In this video, you can see how I quickly painted my new wolf head wall sculpture. The pattern went together easily, and I added a lot of texture to it with paper mache clay. You can see how I did that in the first two videos on this page: ultimatepapermache.com/wolf-head-pattern

There was so much texture on the sculpture that I could get away with just dry-brushing some warm black over the darker parts of the wolf's face. Then I added a few brush strokes of white, and painted the eyes with yellow ochre. I've never painted a sculpture like this before, and it's very simple - but this time it seemed to work.

I'm especially happy with that 'fur brush' I made - it was really easy, but it worked really well. I used it with the DIY modeling paste. You can see the video about that new recipe here: youtu.be/fhEN0jfYjVg

The recipe for the original paper mache clay is here: youtu.be/1YQ6eUqcEh8

If you'd like to use my new wolf head pattern to make a sculpture of your own, you can find it here: ultimatepapermache.com/wolf-head-pattern

And you can find patterns for all the masks and sculptures behind me in the video (and many more) here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Painting the New Ram Headdress Mask

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-11-30 | This new ram headdress mask goes together easily, but there are quite a few pieces so it will take a little time. Before painting him I added some texture to his horns with paper towels and paste. I also used the new DIY modelling paste for his fur, but that detail probably won't show up if the mask is used on stage.

If you'd like to use my pattern to make a ram headdress mask, you can find it here: ultimatepapermache.com/ram-mask
There is a small charge for it. That page also has two more videos, showing how the pieces go together, and how I added the paper mache and made the texture on the horns.

Every time I use that wispy brush people ask where I got it. I bought mine from amazon.com here: amzn.to/46Cx06W
Your really don't need it, because you can just take a little more time and use a normal small brush instead - but it is a lot of fun to use. 😊

If you'd like to check out the DIY modelling paste recipe, either for this project or something else you're working on, you can find it here: youtu.be/fhEN0jfYjVg

I painted him the way I would if he was starring in a play and small details wouldn't be seen from the audience. Most of the painting time was really spent waiting for the paint to dry.

All of the masks and sculptures behind me in the video, and many more, have patterns, too. There's even a pattern for a lamb sculpture, in case you need one as a prop in your play (or your Christmas display). You can find them all here: ultimatepapermache.com/patters

Easy Diy Modeling Paste - Paint Fur and Textures

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-11-24 | This is a really easy way to create some modeling paste that will let you paint thick fur texture. In my experiments it dries very hard, and is reasonably flexible. You'll want to do your own experiments to make sure it will work for your project, of course. This recipe just uses drywall joint compound with a dab of acrylic paint.

I've seen other videos with modeling paste recipes using baby powder and glue. If you've used that version, and you try mine, too, please let us know which one you like best. 👶

In the video I mentioned that you can also use plain drywall joint compound to smooth your paper mache sculpture, and if you're interested you can see that video here: youtu.be/Ad2iLa201kA

The pattern for the giraffe in that video can be found here (hint - it would make a memorable gift 😊): ultimatepapermache.com/giraffe

And I also mentioned that for really heavy, thick fur, you might want to use the paper mache clay recipe instead, along with a fur-stamp like the one I used when I made my grizzly bear. You can see that video here: youtu.be/nWrk5InHPRM

The "DIY gesso" that I intended to use for the ram's facial fur doesn't really have a recipe. It's just drywall joint compound with some glue added to make it more brushable. You can use it for some textures, too, but the edges will be softer and less well-defined.

This has nothing to do with this video, but I want to learn how to make cold-cast bronze sculptures. If you're interested in that subject, too, please let me know. And don't forget to sign up for my weekly email newsletter here: ultimatepapermache.com/newsletter

Painting The Alpaca - And a BIG Oopsie!

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-11-18 | 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): 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: ultimatepapermache.com/newsletter

And if you're interested in the patterns for the animals behind me in the video, you can find them here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Paper Mache Clay Alpaca, Part 2 - Plus Your PM Clay Questions Answered

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-11-10 | If you missed the first video about the alpaca portrait, click here: youtu.be/ASSXRFHc8tE
To sign up for my weekly newsletter, click here: ultimatepapermache.com/newsletter

To go straight to the questions about paper mache clay, use the timestamps below:

0:00 Intro
1:03 Why does paper mache clay crack sometimes?
1:44 How long do you have to work with it before it dries out?
2:59 How long does it take to dry before you can paint it?
4:32 Why can't you use DAP or Wurth to make paper mache clay?
5:36 Using DAP and Wurth with Gorilla Wood Glue for paper mache clay.
6:07 How heavy is it?
6:51 Do you have to use toilet paper?
7:48 Why is paper mache clay too wet sometimes?
8:35 Can you make paper mache clay with plaster instead of flour?
9:10 How do you wash your bowl and utensils?
9:42 Do you have to use paper in paper mache clay?
10:14 Can you use paper mache clay in a mold?
11:39 How do you make paper mache clay waterproof?
14:49 Conclusion, and what comes next

Links mentioned in the video:
Original paper mache clay recipe: youtu.be/1YQ6eUqcEh8
PM Clay Recipe with gram measurements: youtu.be/A_yqGqT-Ua0
PM Clay Recipe with DAP joint compound: youtu.be/5SCFi_XP4vA
PM Clay Recipe with Wurth joint compound: youtu.be/6PdVIJTpsP4
The Grizzly Bear mask: youtu.be/nWrk5InHPRM
Home-Made glue recipe: youtu.be/_JGLdN3A4wk
Linda's Waterproof Mushroom Post: ultimatepapermache.com/make-a-waterproof-paper-mache-mushroom
Paper cement clay: youtu.be/8JzjIZVlSd8
Eileen's Pal Tiya tutorial: ultimatepapermache.com/make-a-waterproof-rabbit-sculpture

Sculpt an Animal Portrait with Paper Mache Part 1

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-11-07 | 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: 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: 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. ☺️

Make Paper Mache Clay With Wurth Joint Compound

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-11-03 | Yes, we can make paper mache with Gorilla Wood glue and Worth brand drywall joint compound. 🙂DAP and Worth are the two brands that absolutely will not work with Elmer’s glue all, but they’re also the most easily obtained drywall joint compound because you can get them in any Walmart store here in the United States at least.

I’ve already tested the DAP joint compound for paper mache clay here: youtu.be/5SCFi_XP4vA

And today I made a batch of the paper mache clay with the Wurth brand. I’m really liking it. In fact, I think the Worst brand is now my favorite joint compound for paper mache clay – but you can’t use it with Elmer’s Glue-All.

👉The recipe for Paper Mache Clay with Wurth Joint Compound:

1 1/4 cup of damp toilet paper
1 cup of premixed Wurth* (or DAP) drywall joint compound
3/4 cup of Gorilla Wood Glue
1/4 to 3/8 cup of white flour
2 tablespoons mineral oil (baby oil) or boiled linseed oil (optional)

*Note – the Gorilla Wood Glue has only been tested with the Wurth and Dap brands. For all other brands, I recommend Elmer’s Glue-All – but you can do your own test, like I did at the beginning of the video, with a small dab of your joint compound and your glue. If they mix up smoothly, with no thickening, rubberiness, or even tiny lumps, the combination should work.

You can see the original paper mache clay recipe here: youtu.be/1YQ6eUqcEh8

Sign up for my weekly newsletter, and receive practical advice and creative tips, plus exciting projects and tutorials every Friday – all right in your inbox. ultimatepapermache.com/newsletter

🦁 And check out my patterns for paper mache sculptures and masks here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Leave your paper mache clay questions in the comments below, and I'll answer as many as I can in next week's video. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss it. 😸

Sculpting with Cardboard - Art Shaped by Darrell Wakelam

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-10-27 | 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: amzn.to/46I24Ts

The "Paper Sculpture" book that I recommend for younger artists can be found here: 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: amzn.to/3FBeCAk

Darrell Wakelam's YouTube Channel: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/newsletter

DAP Joint Compound In Paper Mache Clay? How to Make it Work

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-10-20 | 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: youtu.be/1YQ6eUqcEh8
Link to page with patterns for all the sculptures and masks behind me in the video: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns
The Gorilla Wood Glue that I used in this experiment: 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: 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

Painting The Jaguar Mask

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-10-12 | My new pattern for a paper mache jaguar headdress mask is now finished, and you can find it here: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/jaguar-mask

In this video you can see how I painted the jaguar mask and added all those spots. I painted mine pretty fast, and it doesn't have a lot of detail. I did that because most people will probably use this mask pattern for the theater, and you can't see tiny details from the audience.

However, I'm going to take the cap portion off my jaguar right after uploading this video so I can use it as a wall sculpture. I might go back and add a lot more fur details - or maybe I'll just stick with the minimalist design. I haven't decided yet. What do you think? 😊

If you'd like to see how the pieces are taped together, or how to alter the pattern so you can wear the jaguar mask in front of your face, you can find two more videos here: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/jaguar-mask

I have patterns for all the animals behind me in the video, too - and many more. You can find them here: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/patterns

Profit First: What I Wish Id Learned Earlier About Owning an Art Business

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-10-06 | I started my first art business over five decades ago, and I've started several other art businesses since then - and I always made money. Or, I should say that I made enough get by, at least for a few years. But I didn't truly understand what profit meant, so the businesses were never really sustainable.

😜 Oops - I almost forgot to give a link to the book so you can actually find it. Here it is: amzn.to/45negrt (affiliate link, of course.)

I found an interesting interview with the author - you can see it here: youtu.be/cHhcpT6qZA8?si=R_PO3WawICPNiM5F

Like many of us, I believed that as long as there was some money left in my pocket after covering costs, I was running a profitable business.

One of the most crucial lessons I wish I'd learned earlier is that an art business should be treated as a separate entity, just like any other business. Blurring the lines between personal income and business revenue can lead to significant challenges - especially when a recession hits, or you see an opportunity for expansion but don't have the capital to take advantage of it.

I tell everyone artist I know that they should read this book, but I've never explained it well enough to convince anyone to read it. Hopefully, I've done a better job this time. If not, I found a video that might do a better job, and it explains some of the things that you'd also have to consider, in addition to the information in the book itself: youtu.be/VB84FqReKgU

Or, do a search on YouTube for "Profit First." Or read the book. :)

If you would like to make some of the sculptures or masks that appear behind me in the video, I have patterns for those. (Those patterns support this channel. 😊 ) You can find them at ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

💀 Easy DIY Vampire Skull Bucket for Halloween

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-09-30 | 💀Collect your candy in spine-chilling style this year with your own Vampire Skull Candy Bucket. Come on, you need one - you know you do... 👻

This really is an easy project, but the plaster cloth can get a little messy. You could probably make it without the tiny LED lights, if you won't be trick-or-treating after dark. We used to do that, back in the day. In a small town, and a very long time ago. 🎃

You can see screenshots of the project here: ultimatepapermache.com/diy-easy-vampire-skull-halloween-bucket

Links to items mentioned in the video - one or two are affiliate links.
🦍 Gorilla made with plaster cloth and paper mache: youtu.be/XBeZDLm26_Y
🙀 WED modeling clay (Use any modeling clay you have on hand. You could even sculpt your skull with aluminum foil and masking tape.): amzn.to/3rwo30i
💀 Plaster Cloth (To make all six skulls I used one 6 yard roll, 6" wide): brickintheyard.com/products/pb8u1
🌟LED Fairy Lights: amzn.to/45dnfvc

If you'd like to make one of the masks or sculptures that are behind me in the video, you can find the patterns for them (and many more) here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

And sign up for my weekly newsletter - Join over 9,300 friendly and creative readers and receive practical advice and creative tips, plus exciting projects and tutorials every week.

Paper Mache ZEBRA Headdress Mask (with painting tips)

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-09-21 | 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: youtu.be/ED1wEuHOxxk
The video showing how to make the marks with paper mache clay is here: youtu.be/nWrk5InHPRM

And the patterns for all the sculptures and masks behind me in the video (and many more) can be found here: 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

Paste or Glue for Paper Mache: Which Ones Best for Your Next Project?

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-09-14 | 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: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Also, visit my latest blog post: 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: youtu.be/K0w82bQcnMU
Using wood Glue for theater masks: youtu.be/t9oL1ZZfs5E
5 Easy Tips for Smooth Paper Strips and Paste: youtu.be/sjllW9Xpkow
Using Joint Compound to Make Paper Mache Smooth: youtu.be/Ad2iLa201kA

Paper Cement Clay Update - After One Year Outside

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-09-06 | I've been getting a lot of requests lately for an update on the Toad sculpture that was made with Paper Cement Clay. There have also been quite a few questions about the mix - I've tried to keep up with the comments, but I apologize for being a little slow sometimes... 😋

For a written version of this video, click here: ultimatepapermache.com/paper-cement-clay-1-year-outside

Links to things mentioned in the video (let me know if I forgot anything):

Paper cement clay for outdoor sculptures recipe video: youtu.be/8JzjIZVlSd8
Toad sculpting video: youtu.be/HWq_aH5cE5c
Written post with the two clay recipes (I used the one with the joint compound for the toad: ultimatepapermache.com/weatherproof-paper-mache-clay
Michele's lizard update: ultimatepapermache.com/paper-cement-experiment-update
Rustoleum Matte Clear Enamel amzn.to/3za3nuU (affiliate link)
Warren E
You can share photos of your sculptures on my site here: ultimatepapermache.com/daily-sculptors-group-page

If you like the masks and wall sculptures behind me in the video, you can see patterns for them, and more, at ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

And my sculpting books are available on amazon.com:

Fast Faces - Unleash Your Creativity... amzn.to/2DSNXfG
Make Animal Sculptures: http://amzn.to/1nMUO3a
How to Make Masks: http://amzn.to/2obUDmq
Make Tiny Paper Mache Dogs: http://amzn.to/1KXd9zg

0:00 Intro
00:27 Where the paper cement toad spent the last year
00:44 Other people also made sculptures with the mix
00:57 Michele's problem with her lizard
1:32 The sealer I used for my toad
2:05 The paint I used
2:14 The toad's toes...
3:02 How long should it cure before painting?
4:23 Why I like this mixture for sculpting
4:58 Why you might want to use this instead of paper mache clay, even for indoor sculptures
5:19 Don't use DAP or Wurth brand joint compound in the mix
5:51 Conclusion
6:18 Where to share photos of your sculptures

Painting The Clownfish Mask

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-08-15 | You can see my new clownfish mask pattern and two more how-to video here: ultimatepapermache.com/clownfish-mask

Even though our heads aren't the same shape as a fish, I tried to make this mask look as close to a real clownfish as I could, while still giving it a playful, innocent look. I still haven't had a chance to watch "Finding Nemo," so I can't be sure if this guy looks like that famous fishy character. Let me know what you think in the comments below. :)

It doesn't take long to paint the clownfish, because there's only three colors. I think it may be the easiest - and the brightest - mask I've ever painted. I really like the way the transparent Cadmium Red Light lets the lower coats show through. Up close, it almost looks like he's glowing, although that's hard to see in the video.

I forgot to mention in the video that I added a coat of satin varnish after the paint was dry. I would have used gloss varnish, to make him look wet, but I never use it for my furry sculptures so I don't have any gloss varnish on hand.

If your school will be producing the Lion King Jr play soon, check out my Lion King Headdress Mask playlist here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5CaQCiXYd0tLR-YvN4gFIeriOh6mU-Dg

If you're interested in any of the other patterns for the critters behind me in the video, and lots more, you can find them here: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

And you can show off your clownfish mask (or anything you make) and see how other people are using paper mache to create beautiful sculptures and masks here: ultimatepapermache.com/daily-sculptors-group-page

How to Paint an Easy Brindle Pattern on a Pitbull Mask

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-07-27 | The brindle pattern on a pitbull - or any dog - can be really challenging to paint. But I'm lazy, so I painted the brindle spot on my pitbull mask the easy way, with just four colors and a wispy brush that makes a lot of fur marks with each stroke. I think he came out really nice - but maybe that's because he reminds me so much of my mother's old dog, Toka.

If you'd like to make a paper mache pitbull mask, with or without a big spot over his eye, you can find my new pattern here: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/pitbull-mask

If you'd like to watch the video I mentioned, with 5 Easy Tips for Smooth Paper Mache, you can find it here: youtu.be/sjllW9Xpkow

And that wispy brush I used to make all those fur marks came from amazon.com. You can find it here (affiliate link, of course): amzn.to/476EAIa

You can also find patterns for all the critters behind me in the video, and many more, at https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/patterns

Fast Way to Paint a Realistic Chimp Mask Made With Paper Mache

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-07-18 | 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: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Put Face Wrinkles on a Paper Mache Chimpanzee Mask

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-07-11 | 😀Note - the chimp mask pattern is now done, and you can see how it came out here: youtu.be/INn3Y9XhOjM

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: ultimatepapermache.com/chimp-face-wrinkles

🐰You can find that white rabbit mask at: ultimatepapermache.com/bunnymask
😀Douglas Witt's post, asking for help with his new book, is here: ultimatepapermache.com/attention-all-commedia-dellarte-enthusiasts
Cooked flour and water paste recipe: youtu.be/K0w82bQcnMU
Elephant skin video: 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: 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 pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887
Acoustic Motivation Music by Coma-Media pixabay.com/users/coma-media-24399569
Reflected Light youtube.com/c/SergePavkinMusic

MethylCellulose Paste Update - Elmers Art Paste Substitute

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-06-22 | The previous video, which shows how I mixed my methylcellulose paste, is here: 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: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Painting an Ogre Mask - Made with Paper Mache Clay

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-06-12 | 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: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/ogre

Have fun!

Regenerative Agriculture, Plein Air Painting, and Alpacas!

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-06-03 | 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 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: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/painting-honey-and-alpacas

😊And remember to visit me, too, at ultimatepapermache.com

Painting The Jackrabbit Sculpture (With Acrylic Paint and Colored Pencils)

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-06-01 | 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: 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): amzn.to/42h1J7d

Elmers Art Paste Alternative - Pure Methylcellulose

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-05-24 | 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: amzn.to/43qs8jN
Video about applying paper strips and paste to a sculpture: youtu.be/sjllW9Xpkow
Battery0operated fan for drying paper mache fast: amzn.to/3MxD8oP
How to make a paper mache mask: ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-african-mask

Be sure to visit my website, too: ultimatepapermache.com/elmers-art-paste-alternative-methylcellulose

Painting The Paper Mache Bongo Antelope

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-04-18 | 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: cincinnatizoo.org/animals/bongo/#gallery

That antelope with the crazy horns I mentioned (a Giant Eland): 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

Painting Glass Taxidermy Eyes - An Experiment

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-04-03 | 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:
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: 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: youtu.be/WsCSnDbclSw
Adding the paper mache: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

You can see what the glass cabochons look like, before painting, here (affiliate link): amzn.to/3U3E7jY

Newborn Lamb Pattern -Sculpting the Wool With Paper Mache Clay

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-03-22 | 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: 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: 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: youtu.be/_JGLdN3A4wk

You can find all of my patterns for sculptures and masks here: 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

Make Paper Mache Clay With DAP Joint Compound

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-03-13 | 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: ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-clay-with-dap

Rich's original DIY glue video on his Ghoulish Cop channel: 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: youtu.be/1YQ6eUqcEh8

How to use joint compound to make paper mache smooth without sanding: youtu.be/Ad2iLa201kA

To see how I made that bunny I used to test the new paper mache clay: youtu.be/ZDWO-jeXhls

And to see the patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video, click here: 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

Make a Paper Mache Lop-Eared Bunny

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-03-09 | 🐰 NOTE: I now have a new Bunny Mask pattern for paper mache. You can see it here: ultimatepapermache.com/bunnymask

The paper mache lop-eared bunny in this video 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: ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-bunny-sculpture

This video shows how I make the cooked flour and water paste: 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: youtu.be/BBqBnrtAwUQ

The clay I'm using in the video is WED clay, available here: amzn.to/3ZB8AYI

And the Sargent Plastilina, an oil-based modeling clay that you could use instead, is available here: amzn.to/3mH2APH

If you'd like to see the patterns for the masks and sculptures behind me in the video, click here: 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! 🙂

Painting Brown Bear Eyes - For the Grizzly Bear Mask

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-03-02 | 🐻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: youtu.be/CWHSR2nDtDM

🐰And the Folk Art Bunny project, using a commercial air dry clay product that didn't crack, is here: youtu.be/3-R7N7N6ieM
You can see how I painted the grizzly bear here: youtu.be/8mpYuh8s-10
And how I sculpted his fur here: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Paper Cement Clay Update - Is it Really Weatherproof for Outdoor Sculptures?

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-02-20 | 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: youtu.be/8JzjIZVlSd8
Written Recipes, with and without drywall joint compound: ultimatepapermache.com/weatherproof-paper-mache-clay
Folk Art Bunny: youtu.be/3-R7N7N6ieM
Gnome Tutorial: youtu.be/xXSsRo59Kwo
Gnome Update (about the paint): youtu.be/gyqsBl2jBqI
Leaf Casting made with paper cement clay: youtu.be/4RSWObvnFgI
Starting the toad sculpture, with pattern: youtu.be/HWq_aH5cE5c
Painting the toad: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/paper-cement-clay-update-2

Painting The Grizzly Bear Mask

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-02-17 | 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: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/grizzly

How To Sculpt Bear Fur In Paper Mache Clay

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-02-13 | 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: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Another Tape Mache Experiment - Wet and Stick Tape

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-02-10 | 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: youtu.be/I1oFtTLiYLA

My first experiment, with the Nexcare tape, is here: youtu.be/QhQqVHsddlA

Link to the gummed paper tape I used for this experiment: 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: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

Three New Bird Mask Patterns for Mardi Gras and Fancy Dress Parties

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-02-03 | 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: 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: youtu.be/RRuUkN2ujf8

The paints I kept mentioning in the video:
FolkArt Flash Iridescent Top Coat: amzn.to/3WZuPFG
The Crafters Workshop Modeling Paste: amzn.to/3JD4tGc
Metallic Acrylic Paint - set of 20 colors: amzn.to/3wRnI7G
Folk art Flash Iridescent paint: 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: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

And, of course, some of the links above are affiliate links - thanks for your support! 😊

T Rex Mask Pattern for Paper Mache - Putting it Together

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-01-12 | See the second video in this series here: youtu.be/c9fQF1mVbNs

🦖My new T-Rex mask pattern for paper mache is easier than some of the patterns I've made because it has numbers along the edges - like a papercraft pattern but without the tabs. However, there are a lot of pieces so you'll need some time, five cereal boxes - and patience. 😄

In this video I show you a few of the steps, but most of the instructions come with the pattern itself. Just print out the pattern, put it on cereal box cardboard or light chipboard, cut them out and tape them together. Then reinforce the lips with crumpled foil and masking tape, and glue on the teeth.

When all the pattern pieces are put together, you can add some details with foil, like I show you in the next video, then cover it with paper mache. You can paint your T-Rex any color you want.

There is a small charge for the pattern. You can download it now from my website: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/t-rex-mask

If you make a T-Rex mask (or anything else with paper mache) I hope you'll show it off on the Daily Sculptors page on my site. Have fun! 😄

T Rex Mask Pattern - the Paper Mache and Finishing Techniques

Ultimate Paper Mache 2023-01-12 | See the first video in this series here: youtu.be/ybC0qxo31Uk

🦖When all the pattern pieces of your T-Rex mask are put together, you can add some details to your T-Rex mask with foil, like I show you in this next video, then cover it with paper mache. You don't have to add the bumps and ridges that I did - or you could get really crazy and add lots more bumps and ridges. It's totally up to you.

I used the pointy teeth and sculpted them with some Magic Sculpt I already had, but you could use the realistic cardboard teeth, instead.

I painted my T-Rex fast, using the brown paper as the first color, but you can paint your mask any color you want.

There is a small charge for the pattern. You can download it now from my website: https://www.UltimatePaperMache.com/t-rex-mask

If you make a T-Rex mask (or anything else with paper mache) I hope you'll show it off on the Daily Sculptors page on my site.

Jonnis Paper Mache Studio

Ultimate Paper Mache 2022-12-13 | How much room do you need to make paper mache sculptures? Not much - my studio is in a corner of the laundry room. My old studio was in a larger room, and the extra space made it harder for me to keep everything organized. This smaller space is actually working better for me.

Do you ever go to the store to buy something for your latest project, even though you know you already have one - but you just can't find it? Yeah, I've done that...

Or do you have a great system for keeping track of everything? If you have some organizing tips for us, I hope you'll leave a comment.

Links to things mentioned in the video (some are affiliate links):
Contraption that holds my camera: amzn.to/3hm2ASG
Camera power adapter: amzn.to/3hu6eKd
Cheap plastic shelves: amzn.to/3YnWSQQ
Make a sculpture stand with lazy susan: youtu.be/cKtQcediAaU
I couldn't find a short link to the drawers, but you can find them in Walmart where they sell plastic storage containers.
My daughter's oil painting website:: jessierasche.com/art/2023-a-year-of-painting-mentorship
Li Qua Che: amzn.to/3hwj5eV
And I have a video showing how I use it, here: youtu.be/N7u6gtHlY2A

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:22 Camera setup
3:04 Cheap plastic shelves
3:57 DIY revolving sculpture stand
5:36 Organizing my paint
6:45 Organizing the rest of my art supplies
10:47 Other rooms I use for art projects
12:05 How do you organize your craft supplies?

My mask and sculpting patterns: ultimatepapermache.com/patterns