Gourmet Paper Mache Monster Making: Lesson 2, Papier Mache




                                                          
                    
                                

        
Lesson 2,  Part b

                                    
                                 

 

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  • 10/7/2009 4:08 PM Paulette wrote:
    Thanks for taking the time to make these vids! Lovin' 'em! Your work is pretty darn swell, too! Rock on! (Oh yeah...gonna buy that book, too) :0)
    Reply to this
    1. 10/8/2009 6:57 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hello Paulette,
      Thank you for your kind words.  I really appreciate it.    Makes me want to make more.
      Take care.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 10/7/2009 5:49 PM Katherine wrote:
    Brilliant 2nd lesson! Can't wait for the third, forth, fifth, sixth and however many more is needed. I have the new book and the video lessons make the book come alive especially seeing the 'creatures' from the book in the background. Hey- I have a thought- why isn't the background creature audience reading all your books while you are teaching? I know they are being good and paying attention but they could read and listen at the same time.
    Reply to this
    1. 10/8/2009 7:00 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey Katherine,
      Thank you!  I'm always really nervous when I post these.   I loose all objectivity.  I have no idea by the time they are done whether or not they "work".  So I really appreciate this first response.     I think I'd have to alter the beasts in the background to get them to read.  But thank you for the suggestion. 
      Take care,
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 10/8/2009 3:45 AM Jonty wrote:
    Hi Dan 'excellent' your timing has improved a lot & it works much better now. That humour of yours makes what could be slow going for newbies absorb things much better i am sure. It makes me laugh too lol.

    WOW thanks for the mention my friend & saying the name right too. Many people emphasis the 'y' as 'ee' but you got it just right lol.

    Awesome stuff keep it coming & hi to Eddie too lol Great singing voice lol.
    Reply to this
    1. 10/8/2009 7:18 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey Jonty,
      You are always a great source of support.  Thank you.    Of course this can't hold a candle to your blog.  Amazing.
      Talk to you later.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 10/9/2009 4:09 AM Jonty wrote:
    Everyones blog & forum is as different as well as... 'everyone' is lol. It's just a case of what this blog does not have mine does. In the same turn of phrase what my blog does not have yours does. Our blogs & forums reflect US as individuals that does not mean our blogs & forums are better or worse than each other Dan, we just present them differently is all lol. If this forum wasn't any good do you think i would bother coming back here 'every day' & checking whats new or not?

    No this IS a dam good little forum that is bursting with loads of potential. Because we are all busy (especially yourself) we all haven't had a chance to take it were it IS going is all. You give it a few more weeks before judging it lol. I am enough of a doubting Thomas for both of us lol.
    Reply to this
  • 10/14/2009 4:07 AM Lucie wrote:
    Hi Dan,
    I just want to let you know that I began 2 news screamers, It's easier for the cloth mâche session now I already know how that work. I will show you when my newborn sreamers will be done.
    Thanks for all.
    Your slowers video are very helping et very funny. It's what what helps most, the funny part.
    Lucie
    Reply to this
    1. 10/14/2009 6:19 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Lucie,
      Nice to hear from you!  I'm glad to hear that you are working on new projects.  And yes, you are an expert now.   Anything is possible.
      Good luck on them.    I look forward to seeing them.   And thanks for your new nice comment on the lessons. 
      It's cold and rainy in Seattle today.  I wish I could stay home and work on an art project or two.
      See you.
      Dan

      Reply to this
      1. 10/14/2009 4:14 PM Lucie wrote:
        Hi again,

        Just to let you know that in sunny in Quebec city but very cold, around 5 degrees celsuis. Soon it will snow everywhere here.

        Have a nice evening...
        Lucie
        Reply to this
        1. 10/14/2009 8:14 PM Dan Reeder wrote:
          That sounds lovely actually. That's the way Fall should be.
          See you.
          Dan
          Reply to this
  • 10/16/2009 10:18 AM konstantin wrote:
    Hi Dan! I'm wrighting from Russia. Saint-petersburg city. My english is bad but i hope U will understand. A few weeks ago i saw your videos and i was shocked. It is a trully art. I have never liked paper mashe art. But everything has changed. Thanks for your work. I wish u a lot of time for monster-making. It would be nice if your books will be translated into russian - i could't read them correctly). But the main idea is clear for me. Thank u again. Your creatures are beautiful
    Reply to this
    1. 10/16/2009 10:41 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hello Konstantin,
      Thank you so much for your nice comment.  I'm glad you like the work.  Hopefully, the videos are clear enough without the words.
      Take care.
      Dan
      PS.  Your English is quite good. 

      Reply to this
  • 10/16/2009 12:28 PM konstantin wrote:
    Dan, i want ask a few questions if u don't mind:
    1)u don't use any glue. only water+flower. that's correct?
    2When the monster is "ready" - U put The last layer of White paper(that's not newspaper) What the paper is it?
    3) Do u sale your art( i mean paper beasts)? Do you have your MONSTERSHOP)?
    Reply to this
    1. 10/16/2009 1:07 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi again Konstantin,
      I use flour and water to paper mache balls and arms and legs.   Then I cut them up and put them together using masking tape.  Then I put a "skin" of cloth (torn up bed sheets) and white glue (the brand is Elmer's here).

      I sell my pieces every so often.  But they are expensive because they take so much time to make.   But I cant' keep everything  so I sell at fairs. 

      Good luck.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 10/17/2009 2:19 AM konstantin wrote:
    thank u Dan.. i'll send u photoes when i made something intresting.
    Reply to this
  • 10/17/2009 3:36 PM Kent wrote:
    The blog is great,the site is perfect,and the videos are fricken awesome man.I am 53 and started drawing as a kid,then paint,then wood,then clay,then metal,and now glass...You have inspired me to vear off course and grab some newspaper ...thank you Dan...I will be buying both your books Monday off your website and wanted to just thank you for sharing everything.
    Reply to this
    1. 10/17/2009 8:02 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey Kent,
      Nice to meet you.  Thank you for the kind words.   I'm really happy to hear that you will be trying this medium.   It really is gratifying.  You will love it.  Let me know if you ever have any questions.  I'm happy to help.   And so will others.  Check out my links.   Many great paper mache artists there.
      Take care
      DAn

      Reply to this
  • 10/18/2009 9:38 PM marie wrote:
    Hey Dan, just checked out your new instructional videos like you suggested. Loved them, cant wait to see more. Keep up the great work. Best thing about paper mache' is...its the one craft out there that everyone can afford...and I love how you show that ugly IS beautiful too. Amazing. Thanks
    Reply to this
    1. 10/19/2009 6:34 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey Marie,
      Thanks for checking in.    Yes, there is enough beautiful art in the world.  Truckloads, museums, full of the stuff.   I think we have a duty to add something a little uglier to the mix.  And paper mache is perfect I think.   I'll continue to do my part.
      Good luck on your projects.    Keep in touch.
      Dan
      PS.  I really need to make one of my fast videos before another slow one.  I have an idea I want to pursue.  I have to get it out of my head before anything else.

      Reply to this
      1. 10/19/2009 6:23 PM Jonty wrote:
        Oh i know that feeling. Trouble is i NOW have more unfinished projects than i know what to do with lol. I am trying desperately to get them all finished by cycling through them every week or so though lol. It's slow going but i am making some kind of progress. I know i speak for a LOT of people when i say "We can't wait to see the NEW idea's" lol.
        Reply to this
        1. 10/19/2009 7:17 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
          Hey Jonty,
          It's funny because most people have trouble with the idea part.  You have ideas pouring out of, well, your pores.   It is good that you are getting back to a few of them.  I really want to see some of them finished.   They are all going to be great.

          The short days and rain have settled over the Pacific Northwest.   Time to snuggle up with hot chocolate and paper mache.
          See you
          Dan

          Reply to this
          1. 10/20/2009 3:21 AM Jonty wrote:
            Oh i have noooo trouble what so ever with the idea part for sure. As i am typing now i have ideas pouring into my head. If anything ever happened to my hands & i had no way of bringing them or starting to bring them to life i think i would go insane lol. No idea's come easily as breathing to me.

            Trust me 'I' want to see my unfinished stuff done too. These stupid new idea's won't let me though lol. One i might get them all done, one day lol.
            Reply to this
  • 10/28/2009 1:29 PM Janet wrote:
    Wonderful instructional video!
    (My last paper mache project was a full-size Frosty the Snowman costume for the elementary school... wish I would have seen your videos first! It would have saved me considerable time and trouble lol.)
    I used a liquid starch/flour mixture that worked well, but I will bow to your expertise and try the flour/water one.
    Thank-you so much for doing these videos... Your sense of humor is priceless and the kitties are so cute.
    My kids and I can't wait to start our 'monster' project.

    P.S. I am ordering your book as soon as I hit 'send'.
    Reply to this
    1. 10/28/2009 2:11 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Thank you for the nice note Janet!  I very much appreciate the comments about the instructional videos.   Those have been the hardest for me to make.  I really enjoy making the faster ones.     The slower ones take me forever.   I will get a  new one out as soon as I can.
      Good luck on your project.  I'd love a photo for my site when you are done.  Let me know if you have any questions.
      Take care
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 11/6/2009 9:24 PM Emily wrote:
    total newbie just getting interested in another way to express my art (currently work in polymer clay). Doesn't the flour/water combo have mold/vermin issues? Or do you have a trick to minimize this risk?
    Reply to this
    1. 11/6/2009 10:16 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Emily,
      Very nice to meet you.   It's always nice to meet another 3D artist.    The trick is to make sure everything dries.    You don't want globs of paste in between layers, which is why I tell people not to put the paper in the paste, only hands (see Lesson 2 on paper mache).   Mold only grows in mediums that are wet.    I've never had trouble with mold or vermin.    I have projects that are three decades old.    They are still in great condition.     Now I'm not sure what would happen if you left projects in places where mice or rats lived.   I suppose they might get in the project just like anything else.   However, by the time I'm finished, I've covered the entire project with a skin of cloth and glue and painted.    The only place they could get in would be through the mouth (if I left it open far enough).

      I hope you give this medium a shot.   I think you'll like it.   Check out my links for other paper mache artists as well.  Everyone has their own variations on the theme.
      Thanks for visiting.
      Dan

      Reply to this
      1. 11/7/2009 7:04 AM Emily wrote:
        Great! Thanks! Definitely no paper in the paste (only babies and butts - oh and hands ).

        I'll definitely be back to see lessons 3 on - your narration style and cats, along with the monsters - crack me up.
        Reply to this
        1. 11/9/2009 6:31 AM Lucie wrote:
          Hi,
          I have a little trick to be sure for no mold in your projet. In your paste add some concentrated grapefruit extract (3 or for drop only). It's a natural antibacterial. Me, I put some bleach for the same reason.

          Have a nice day

          Lucie
          Reply to this
          1. 11/9/2009 7:24 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
            Hey Lucie,
            Hope things are going well.  Thanks for the tip!  I never thought of that.
            Dan

            Reply to this
  • 11/19/2009 8:35 AM Alecs wrote:
    Hi there, Dan

    Thanks for the videos. You have quite a spark.

    I've been working on some projects, and I am SO keen on finishing, that I just can't wait for the next couple of videos.

    The thing is that I can't figure out what's that white cloth/paste/pasted-cloth you put over the teeth or wings.

    Salutations from Spain,

    Alecs
    Reply to this
    1. 11/19/2009 10:49 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Nice to meet you Alecs,
      After I sculpt with paper mache, using masking tape, I put a on "skin" of cloth dipped in white glue as my last step.   I use torn up old bed sheets for the cloth.  And the white glue is just hobby glue like they use in the school.  The brand in the US would be Elmer's.
      Good luck on your project.  I'd love to see photos when you are finished. 
      Take care.
      Dan

      Reply to this
      1. 11/19/2009 1:04 PM Alecs wrote:
        Dan

        Thanks for the quick response. I'll soon be sending you some pictures with our creations!

        Best, Alecs
        Reply to this
  • 11/20/2009 11:16 PM ehfoaisj wrote:
    acvmpcad http://fvtvggco.com diyokzlx akarkiop
    Reply to this
  • 11/21/2009 5:32 AM Jonty wrote:
    11/20/2009 11:16 PM ehfoaisj wrote:
    acvmpcad http://fvtvggco.com diyokzlx akarkiop
    Reply to this

    ? This was a none responding link. What is it: exactly?
    Reply to this
    1. 11/21/2009 9:11 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey Jonty,
      I've gotten a few of these kinds of comments lately.  Just gibberish.   Don't know if they are pranks, or some sort of spider sent out to find blogs and mess with them or what.   I just delete them.    Also, the only trackbacks I've ever gotten are from drug companies.   I delete those too.   I hate spammers.

      Hope all is well with you.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 11/21/2009 10:06 AM Jonty wrote:
    It looks like typical group posting spam to me too but i didn't want to just blurt right out & say that until you'd commented on it first.

    P.S. I should have some of those dragon heads i meantioned last week'ish for you to look at & give me your opinion around mid next week. Two definates i am working on a third underway tomorrow lol.
    Reply to this
  • 11/21/2009 10:08 AM Jonty wrote:
    P.P.S. Spiders (tracking cookies) are normally burried out of sight but your on the right train of thought though lol.
    Reply to this
  • 11/23/2009 4:58 PM attatudy wrote:
    I'm checking in to see if the next series is up yet for your tuts. Not yet i see but i did enjoy the panorama of your workshop. I was blown away. Such great stuff in there . I could hear my mom though in my mind saying.."don't touch"
    Reply to this
    1. 11/23/2009 8:12 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey there.
      Egads, I'm so sorry.  I meant to have another lesson by now.  I got sidetracked by my new video (the Head for the Carpool Lane) and my teaching job.   I'll get to work.   I promise.

      Thanks for keeping me on my toes.  It's nice to know that someone is actually watching.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 11/24/2009 9:07 AM Gul Eda wrote:
    You are AWESOME!!I m your huge fan from Turkey. First , I saw your Videos on Facebook,.. Then ı Watched your beautiful videos in there .. ı also wanted to do like you but my mother .. =DD
    Reply to this
    1. 11/24/2009 12:55 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hello Gul Eda,
      Thank you so much for the nice comment!  It is very kind of you.    Tell your mother that you are a gifted artist and need to express yourself.   Maybe then she will let you make a dragon or two.
      Take care.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 12/1/2009 7:12 AM rick wrote:
    Hi, Dan ...

    Just got into paper mache. My place is a mess.

    Have you ever of bringing the water-flour paste to a boil before using it? Does that really "activate the glutins"?

    Thanks.

    --Rick
    Reply to this
    1. 12/1/2009 7:42 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hello Rick. 
      It's nice to meet you.   I'm glad to hear that you've launched!  You are going to love this medium.   About the boiling...I've never heard of that before.    Did you see instructions for this somewhere?   Wouldn't that make it really, really thick and sticky?  I guess I always wanted the flour and water paste to be basically neutral.    Still, maybe it's better.   You'll have to let me know.

      Good luck.  Have a great time.
      Dan

      Reply to this
      1. 12/1/2009 8:15 AM Lucie wrote:
        Hi,

        I can answer for this paste with cookinkg flour. I made that and that's make a really good job. The flour with the water boiled is very sticky and clear to. It's a glue

        Voilà

        Lucie
        Reply to this
        1. 12/1/2009 8:21 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
          Well hi Lucie,
          Funny, I just saw my email (we've been on break for a few days from school) and I was just going to write and tell you what a great job you did on your screamer!  Outstanding!   I will put it on my website sometime today.   Thank you as always for sharing.  And thanks about the advice about boiling water.     Seems like a lot of work.    But maybe I'll try it sometime.  I always use warm water just because it feels nice.   Certainly you have to wait for the really hot water to cool.

          Anyway, thanks again for the photos.  And keep up the great work!
          Dan

          Reply to this
      2. 12/5/2009 6:48 AM Jonty wrote:
        Hi Dan just popped in whilst 'monitoring' whats going on so i don't get too far behind lol. YES boiling flour WILL activate the glutons. When breaking down plant produce in this way 'especially' starch based produce - it's called 'the hot break'. The point when the naturally stored starch bonds break down. However as Dan & others will know this is NOT totally required for PM'ing. It WILL produce a much harder flour paste though.
        Reply to this
        1. 12/5/2009 1:33 PM Gabe wrote:
          So then, say if I had in mind a project that would require a fairly durable final piece, one that would also need sanded smooth, would it be better to boil my paste? Any reply appreciated,

          Gabe
          Reply to this
          1. 12/5/2009 2:12 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
            Hey Gabe,
            As you may know, there are several quite different techniques that fall under the heading "paper mache".    I make paper mache balls and appendages using paper mache paste.  But then I cut them up and sculpt with the pieces and then put a final "skin" of cloth dipped in white glue for strength and detail.   This final coating doesn't allow for sanding although it is very durable (and you can get a fairly smooth skin).   Other people use the "mashed paper" type paper mache.   The pulverize the paper and add various hardeners and then sculpt with it, or add it as a skin on top of the kind of paper mache I mentioned.    Some of those methods allow for sanding and can be very durable as well.    So you should definitely investigate techniques that suit your particular project.   If you check out the links on my site (Jonty's in particular) you can find methods that sound more like you want.

            Good luck on your project.  I'm sure you will find something that will work for you.
            Dan

            Reply to this
            1. 12/5/2009 3:56 PM Jonty wrote:
              I totally agree with Dan there are many, many ways to get a smooth finish. One of which that i think Dan might have been driving at is my Dragon skin, however it's definately NOT hand/manual sanding friendly. It WILL give a beautiful smooth super hard finsh, & dry extremely fast, but!, it won't forgive any mistakes. You WOULD have to be extreemely 'precise' when using it for high detailed regions as you would find it near impossible to sand down by hand easily. I suggest looking at what you want to create then Google smooth PM finishes to see what your options are.
              Reply to this
  • 12/2/2009 10:15 AM Sue wrote:
    Hi Dan,
    I just started mache-ing last March and I LOVE IT! Doing the trad' wire armature thing currently, but saw your book in Scottsdale Borders (on vacation) bought it and am now back in the UK doing boring stuff (commissions) until end Dec but cant wait to get cloth mache-ing in 2010!! Fantastic!!
    I'm thinking of trying one of my bats (see my website) with the cloth, hope it works out...
    Keep up the great videos
    Sue xx
    Reply to this
    1. 12/4/2009 3:37 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Sue,
      Thanks for the message.  I'm very happy to be of any service to a fellow artist!  For some reason I can't view any photos on your site.  I'd really love to see some of your work, especially the wire sculpture.  I've tried Internet Explore and Firefox.  Not sure what I'm doing wrong.  Do you have any ideas about why I can't view your galleries!
       Anyway, thanks again for the note.
      Dan
      Reply to this
  • 12/3/2009 9:03 AM Sue wrote:
    Hi its me again.
    We don't have Elmers glue in the UK. Is it the same as white PVA?
    Sue xx
    Reply to this
    1. 12/3/2009 9:12 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Sue,
      Yes, white PVA will work.   I think it is best if you use "all purpose" or hobby glue rather than "wood glue", although I've used both successfully.
      Hope all is well.  
      Good luck!
      Dan

      Reply to this
    2. 12/5/2009 6:53 AM Jonty wrote:
      Hi Sue, chances are 'Elmers' is the European term for PVA. I am an ardent pVA user & can vouch for it lol.
      Reply to this
  • 12/6/2009 3:12 PM Mads wrote:
    Hey Dan!

    Been really enjoying your books. My mob have been madly creating mâché balls at our meetings and I'm just at the point of cloth mâché-ing our first little guy. I just wanted to know if you've got any further tips on handling PVA, the stuff I've got is thick as set yogurt and I'm wondering if our glue is too thick? What would you say the consistency of 'elmers' glue is? Or am I just being Nancy about it? I just seem to end up with more glue on my fingers than the cloth and the cloth ends up sticking to my fingers better than my structure.

    Thanks again for all the dedication.

    Mads
    Reply to this
    1. 12/6/2009 6:08 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey Mads,
      Nice to hear from you!  Congratulations on your launch.     Elmer's has the consistency of PVA pretty much.  But any glue will start to get thicker as you work with it.   Here's the thing.     When glue is thick, it does a better job of holding down the cloth (particularly newish, stiff cloth).    But the down side is what you described, your hands getting totally glue bound.  That happens to me all the time.    You can water it down a bit if it really drives you crazy.    Or, every so often, clean it off your hands.   A good way to do this isn't with water.  Take a full sheet of newspaper and crumple it and use it to pull of globs of glue from your hands.    The paper absorbs the excess glue and it tends to come off all at once.      Remember, if you do water down the glue, the cloth won't stay down as well.   It should obviously be loose enough to soak the cloth thoroughly.

      I don't know if this helps at all. 
      Let me know if I can offer any more confusion.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 12/6/2009 11:29 PM Mads wrote:
    Thanks for the tips, I see what you mean about the thinner glue not holding thicker cloth down.

    Guess I'll have to knuckle down and deal with stuck fingers. We didn't have any old sheets, most of our old ones were donated to help rescued wildlife from the horrible bushfires last summer, I had to invest in thrift shop sheets and
    most of those were in pretty good nick.

    Thanks for the quick response, will keep you posted.

    Mads
    Reply to this
  • 12/7/2009 3:50 AM Sue wrote:
    Hmm... that's worrying. I have no idea why you cant get the images, just tried myself with no probs. Weird.
    You could try http://www.craftmaker.co.uk/suemclearie/ or www.affordablebritishart.co.uk/gallery.php?artist=SueMcLearie&aid=189 as I have a few images on those sites too. As usual click on each image for larger pics.
    Cheers! Sue
    Reply to this
    1. 12/7/2009 7:34 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hurray,
      This time, when I used the link you just sent, I got the images with the text.   I love your work!    Really beautiful pieces.    The seal head coming up out of the hole is magnificent.    But you gotta love a dung  beetle too!   You have obviously developed your technique to work perfectly for what you make.   I'm so glad I could finally see them.    I'm going to add your link to my site today.

      Thank you for sharing.  Keep up the great work.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 12/8/2009 4:50 AM Sue wrote:
    Thanks Dan, that means a lot to me coming from the 'Monster-man, praise indeed.
    My stuff is all quite small, the Seal head is the biggest at 18" across, deffo going to try bigger things in 2010!
    Added a link to your site today.
    Cheers & a very Mache Christmas to all!
    Sue
    Reply to this
    1. 12/8/2009 7:48 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey again,
      You are welcome.  You deserve the praise.   I just added a link to your site as well.   Thank you for yours.   I'm honored.
      Let's keep in touch.    Good luck with all your new works.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 12/18/2009 2:03 PM Daniel wrote:
    Hey Dan,

    Love these projects. I am teaching my advanced art students (5th and 6th grade) to make their own dragons and amwondering where are good places to get a variety of glass dragon/animal eyes? and where do i upload pics of our dragons? We had great success with this project and it has helped some of our students reach beyond the level of skill that they were at and caused them to learn and grow. Thanks for your time, work, creativity and your instructional website.
    Reply to this
    1. 12/18/2009 2:30 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey Daniel.
      Thank you for your nice words.  I really appreciate it.   You are a brave man to take on such a project with kids.  I've done it many times and know how dedicated you have to be.    I use a lot of taxidermy eyes for my dragons.     The address for one of these places is below. 
      The photos on my website I put on myself.  I'd be happy to post some of them if you send them to me.   You can send them to me at dan@monster-man.com.    I can't guarantee that I'll put all of them (if there are many of them) on the site at the same time just because of space.  But if I couldn't , I would rotate them in until everyone got in.

      Again, thanks for the nice note.
      Dan

      http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/category/glass-eyes

      Reply to this
  • 12/20/2009 12:07 PM Luciano Prodan wrote:
    Hi Dan,

    I've been working with all kinds of techniques for some years now, thanks for the couple of tips I found in your videos.

    Check my dragon, let's see what you think. The only down part is that the wings fell a bit when drying.

    http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs001.snc3/10853_102983499725829_100000425391171_77620_5218617_n.jpg

    http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs021.snc3/10853_102983496392496_100000425391171_77619_156747_n.jpg

    http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs021.snc3/10853_102983493059163_100000425391171_77618_4898756_n.jpg

    Salutations,

    Luciano
    Reply to this
    1. 12/21/2009 4:56 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Luciano,
      It's very nice to meet you.   Your dragon is terrific!  Very well executed.   I love the attitude.  Thank you for sharing with me!   I understand what you mean about the wings.     When I paint my wings, I lay the dragon on its back (up on a box or something so that the cloth on the wings is not touching anything) and let it dry that way.   Everything gets wet again when it's painted.  So that helps to keep the draping intact.   Good luck on your next ventures.   I'm glad my videos helped a little.
      Dan

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  • 12/22/2009 11:48 AM Willow wrote:
    Hi Dan,
    I just wanted to stop by to tell you that I absolutely love your new YouTube video with Santa and his Paper Mache Helper Dragon. They are both terrific and the video is another top notch production. Well done. And thanks for sharing all your efforts.

    Hope you have a wonderful holiday season full of paper, paste, free time, and toast.
    Reply to this
    1. 12/22/2009 1:38 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Thanks Willow!
      It is always wonderful to get a compliment from another artist.  Good luck on your new projects.   They will no doubt be amazing.
      And happy holidays to you too.
      Dan





      Reply to this
  • 12/22/2009 12:40 PM Lucie wrote:
    Hi Dan,

    Just to say that your new fast and furious video is "Wow" like always...
    Have a nice Holiday Season.
    Reply to this
    1. 12/22/2009 1:40 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey Lucie,
      Thank you for the compliment.  I wasn't sure how this video was going to turn out.   I hope you are busy making new pieces of art.  You have a  nice Holiday Season as well.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 12/30/2009 5:07 PM Emily wrote:
    Hi Dan - I just got your Monster book in the mail (would have had it earlier but B&N ran out ... why B&N? I unearthed an old gift certificate with $14 left on it). It's GREAT! I love the foot notes sprinkled throughout. Thanks for writing it.
    Reply to this
    1. 12/30/2009 10:42 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Emily,
      I'm really happy that you like the book.   And I'm glad you got it.    There was good news and bad this season with the book.  The good is that the first print run sold almost instantly.  It seemed to catch my publisher by surprise (me too).    So Barnes and Nobles and many other stores across the country ran out.   They rushed to get a second printing done,  but it wasn't finished until mid December.   I'm hoping it got some of the Christmas season.  You only get one Christmas season as a "new listing."    So I'm happy, and kind of bummed.  Isn't that life for ya? 

      Anyway, I'm sure you didn't need all that information.   I appreciate your note.  It' makes my night.
      Thanks again
      Dan
      PS.  Remember, if you ever have any paper mache questions, please let me know.  I'm happy to help if I can.  
      PSS. And I'm glad you like the footnotes in the book.     You should have seen the stuff they edited out.   Take care.

      Reply to this
  • 4/11/2010 2:15 PM Claudia wrote:
    Hello Dan, thank you for your beautiful web site and instruction videos!!! They are wonderful. I'm going tot try make my own dragon-baby. I think i'll use wall/paper glue because i have celiac disease. Many greets from Europa, the Netherlands, Claudia (a new fan)
    Reply to this
  • 4/12/2010 9:44 PM Lindsey wrote:
    Are you aware that at the end of your video you're "cat yodeling"? It's true! A very bored professional engineer with a love of cats discovered the magic that is cat yodeling, and actually put an instructional video on YouTube, which just so happened to go viral. But I'm sure you know all of this. (If not, definitely look it up!)

    Also, thank you so much for the instructional videos. I've already started work on my first project!

    Lindsey
    Reply to this
    1. 4/13/2010 6:31 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi again Lindsey,
      No, I didn't know about cat yodeling.   Eddy is a very vocal cat.    Thank you for telling me.  I'll check it out!
      Good luck on your project!
      Dan
      Reply to this
  • 5/4/2010 4:41 AM Casino giochi wrote:
    It is always wonderful to get a compliment from another artist. Good luck on your new projects.They will no doubt be amazing.And happy holidays to you too.
    Reply to this
  • 6/3/2010 8:59 AM Shea Milligan wrote:
    Tip: If you do your papier mache on the floor, your dog will end up licking all the pieces when you aren't looking and dropping his ball in your bowl of flour/water....sigh. Can I cover my dog in mache?
    Reply to this
    1. 6/3/2010 10:16 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hey Shea,
      This is a funny story.  Dogs are cute, until they eat your projects.   But he was just retrieving his ball.    Certainly not his fault!
      Sounds like a huge setback, but I'm sure you will overcome this obstacle.  
      Good luck.
      Dan
      Reply to this
  • 7/22/2010 1:18 AM Miss Y wrote:
    Hi Dan, I have just discovered your vids while doing a websearch on paper mache monsters and hey presto. I am in NZ and teach 6/7 year olds and yes crazy as it may seem we are attempting to do paper mache monsters inspired by "where the wild things are". We did paper mache last term balloons cut in half with egg cartons etc on them to resemble Mars landscapes. It wasn't great as we didnt have enough time and the balloons collapsed as did the paper mache... but I said that could just be some of those enormous craters and volcanoes that mars has. Anyway they loved it so I thought I should try and do it again but a better job. I had already started with plastic bags filled with shredded paper and masking taped into balls for a base before I'd discovered you. When they are paper mache'd (some have already done 1st layer) should I cut a hole and try and pull all that stuffing out and then masking tape the bit back in place - will leaving the stuffing in there be a problem. Also we have miles of school wallpaper type paste rather than miles of PVA and I have lots made up. Is wall paper paste okay to use? Lastly what sort of trouble am I getting myself into... nope dont think you can answer that lol ... 18 little cherubs and it is winter here.. o dear. Miss Y
    Reply to this
    1. 7/22/2010 9:26 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hello MIssY,
      Very nice to meet you.   As far as I'm concerned you are a saint for taking on such a project.  I did it for many years when I was teaching elementary school.   In fact, that's how I got my start with monsters.   I had my kids make monsters because they are goof proof.  But I did it with 11 and 12 year old kids.  lt is much harder with the really young ones.   So I bow to you for taking this on.  We need more teachers like you.  Kids need art projects that take more time than one session and that are messy.  

      The only reason I've ever opened up a mached ball and pulled out the insides was to make the project lighter.   If that is not an issue then I just leave them.   So if you aren't worried about weight, then don't feel like you have to hollow out the insides.  If you do though, then yes, just cut it open and tape it back together when you are done.   As you can see, I use a lot of masking tape.

      I can see that you have already watched the instructional videos.   I got as far as paper macheing.    I still hope to get the next lesson done some time this summer.    But you can at least get a sense about the paper mache.  The hands only in the paste is the most important part of that lesson.

      Have fun with your project.  I'm still on vacation for another month or so.  I currently teach 6th grade math and will be back at work in the Fall.   Good luck.   Thank you for contacting me. 

      Dan
      PS.  As you can see, I love to show off people's projects.  If you ever want your kids to show off their monsters, just send me the photos at dan@gourmetpapermache.com.   Take care
      Reply to this
  • 7/22/2010 12:52 PM Miss Y wrote:
    Hi again, thanks so much for the quick reply. Just one thing, I take it from your answer that the school wallpaper type paste is okay? I have to retrain them about the hands in paste bit because I made a big deal about dipping the whole paper in the paste the first time we did it. Oh dear!!! But they are quick learners and I live and learn.I'm adapting your monster and just going to have one big ball most likely and not a small ball for the head to make it a little easier there... body and head in one. The kids think you are really really fast (he he) from the sped up versions! Cheers
    Reply to this
    1. 7/22/2010 3:50 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi again,
      Sorry, I forgot to answer your question.  To tell you the truth I've never used wall paper paste.  But many people I know have and seem to like it. So I'm sure it's fine.
      And I am really fast.   It's all about coffee.
      Have fun.
      Dan
      Reply to this
  • 10/23/2010 9:53 PM Brittaney Vanzant wrote:
    Hey thanks for the videos Ive already begun my own charcoal-fire dragon! ps what breed is your cat? I loveeeeeee eddy! Abyssinian? mahogany marbleeee or whattt? anyways I loveeee this so much!
    Reply to this
    1. 10/23/2010 10:44 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hello Brittaney,
      I'm really happy that you enjoy the videos.   And I'm very happy that you are making a dragon.   Congratulations!  I would love to see it when you finish.
      I have three cats actually, two Abyssinians and one Bengal.   Eddy is the Abby and Max is the Bengal.  Riley doesn't venture into my studio but Max and Eddy are always under foot.

      Good luck on your project.
      Thanks for checking in.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 10/31/2010 9:30 AM Ima Carolina wrote:
    Hi Dan, I just discovered your videos on YouTube, searching for information on paper mache. I must say your work is simply awsome!! I am so inspired by your work and videos that I am starting today my first paper maché figure.... I am not sure yet what it will be... will just start making balls and will see what comes to my mind... if the results are any good, I´ll send you a picture.
    Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and skill in this media with all the people in the world!! I just can´t wait for the 3rd part of your paper maché tutorial, the slow one, coming out.
    Saludos from Margarita Island, Venezuela.
    Reply to this
    1. 10/31/2010 3:10 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hello Carolina,
      So that was you that left the messages on my videos.   Nice to meet you.   I hope my site and this blog answered many of the questions you posed on Youtube.    I think you have the right idea, just jumping in and make the balls.   That's the way I still prefer it.   I love the way something just pours out of your psyche and becomes real.   I'd love to see  how it turns out. 

      Let me know if you ever have any questions.
      Dan

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