Making Progress

I used the scale study model to get keep the armature the right size. As soon as I got the armature made, and started the Paper Mache, I realized that it takes a lot longer than I remembered. It seemed to take forever to dry so I resorted to putting it in the oven on warm in between layers and I still didn’t get it completely dry.

So in between adding layers and waiting for it to dry, I worked on the smaller clay figures. Since I wanted them to be as uniformed as possible, I used an assembly-line process. I didn’t worry about the level of detail for these. When I was completely done, I realized that I had made them all too big. Yuck.

So I was looking for a clear container that might work better. I had an ah-ha moment when I realized that I have a lot of clear plastic cups that would work perfectly. And they did, except they needed a new graphic background and something to hide the bottom and give a small platform for the figures. I tried a few different bases but ended up with sand colored grout. I was able to also create the new graphics.


Continuing to work on the “big guy” also reminded me of how the surface of Paper Mache can be rough. I wanted a smooth, plastic-look, so experimented with other media. I used Wellbond Glue as Paper Mache paste. I worked well and was sticky enough to keep the fingers together, but wasn’t giving me that smooth texture I wanted. My husband suggested that I use spackle and sand it. That’s where I am today.

I also explored different shapes for the trays/shelves. The triangular ones seemed to look the best. When I tried the new larger packages, the scale felt too big. So back to the smaller containers, but I really don’t want to make more of those little clay guys. They were a lot of work and I’m running out of time. So the bigger guys actually fit, but I need to adjust the graphics.