Paper Mache Dragon Pair -Cloth Mache
As you know by now, I add a "skin" of cloth dipped in glue to my projects. I first did this with my students back in 1972. I noticed that our paper mache monsters were brittle and easily broken. I also noticed that there was lots of Elmer's glue around the school. So I had the kids bring in old sheets from home. We tore them into strips and then cut them into various sized pieces of cloth. We soaked them in the Elmer's glue and applied them to our projects. The result was amazing. Not only did it make the projects immensely durable, but we found that we were able to add much more detail with the cloth than with just paper. (When you wrap a square piece of cloth around a round eye wrinkles naturally develop.) I dubbed the process "cloth mache" for lack of a better term. It has taken on a life of it's own since then. I suppose adding the cloth makes my work more "mixed media" than "paper mache." But it just never felt right to tell people that I'm a "mixed media" artist. I still sculpt with paper mache. The cloth just makes for a perfect skin.
So first I added cloth to the feet and hands of each dragon.
Then I added the breast plates to both. I really enjoy working on the dragon's bellies.
I wanted a spine running down the back of each dragon. I cut one out of cardboard first and hot glued it on. Then I added cloth to it. I must say, cloth macheing the spine is one of my least favorite activities. Many hours of work.
I then added cloth to the rest of each dragon's body. Note that, except for the jaws, I haven't constructed the heads yet. I decided to finish both dragons and reattach them before finishing the heads. This is an act of delayed gratification. I love making the heads. It's hard to stay away from them.
I decided to make scales this time by making polygons and fitting them roughly together. The effect can be dramatic once it's painted.
I know it's hard to tell the difference, but the dragon on the left is the female, and the dragon on the right is the male.
Next step, painting the bodies and reattaching the pair. They are having trouble staying apart. They really want to get together again.
See you soon.
So first I added cloth to the feet and hands of each dragon.
Then I added the breast plates to both. I really enjoy working on the dragon's bellies.
I wanted a spine running down the back of each dragon. I cut one out of cardboard first and hot glued it on. Then I added cloth to it. I must say, cloth macheing the spine is one of my least favorite activities. Many hours of work.
I then added cloth to the rest of each dragon's body. Note that, except for the jaws, I haven't constructed the heads yet. I decided to finish both dragons and reattach them before finishing the heads. This is an act of delayed gratification. I love making the heads. It's hard to stay away from them.
I decided to make scales this time by making polygons and fitting them roughly together. The effect can be dramatic once it's painted.
I know it's hard to tell the difference, but the dragon on the left is the female, and the dragon on the right is the male.
Next step, painting the bodies and reattaching the pair. They are having trouble staying apart. They really want to get together again.
See you soon.
Posted by Dan the Monster-man at 8/9/2010 10:57 PM 
Categories: Paper Mache Dragon Pair
Tags: paper mache dragons monsters sculpture papier mache art crafts
Categories: Paper Mache Dragon Pair
Tags: paper mache dragons monsters sculpture papier mache art crafts
Hi Dan,
I like the look of the polygon scales.
How did you make those?
Thanks,
Randolph
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Hey Randolph,
Wow, you are fast! I just posted this. I just take a piece of cloth and fold it. I do it rather randomly folding one corner in, the working my way around the piece of cloth until all the sides have been folded in. I put it on the dragon so that the folds are against the dragon's body. Nothing real profound, but I think it looks good. I will accentuate the scales when I paint.
Hope you are making art.
Dan
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Dan . . .
I had to comment here . . .
Your ingenuity is remarkable. I just love how you love the materials---and use them to great effect.
I wish I could get to your store-window display. I'd wheel back and forth and around and around until I saw it all from every possible angle.
P.S. The video you show in a later post required no Dramamine for me. Ha!
Later . . .
Jeni
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Thank you Jeni,
That's very nice of you to leave such a great comment. It makes me feel good to know that people like my work. I wish you could see the display. It turned out great I must say.
Take care
Dan
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Hey! I would have responded earlier, but I got the email update on my phone. And when you post something and I get it on my phone, the pictures don't show up. So I always wait so I can see them before I respond.
These look so cool! I can't wait to see their faces. They're really coming together! I hope that you're enjoying the last bit of summer that's left!
Lindsey
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Geez Lindsey,
I've been wondering where you are. I posted this a couple of hours ago. Ha ha. You are too funny! I'm trying to enjoy the last bit of summer. It's been raining here in Seattle for a few days. What a surprise. It really affects my mood. But it's sunny again and now I'm happy. I've been working on the dragon faces and I think they are coming along nicely. I got some good news today. My art work was accepted by the Seattle Arts Commission to participate in a project where they display art in empty buildings in our International District and Pioneer Square. It's just an opportunity to have storefront visibility. I don't care if there is a business in the building at all. And they even pay a little bit. I hope to have this dragon pair finished for that project.
I can't remember if you are back to school yet. Soon I know. I hope all goes well with your start of the year.
Talk to you soon.
Dan
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Dan these are going to look even more stunning than i first thought. The joind position is a little suprising but i reserve final comment until they are done. I can say again though they are going to be some of your most stunning work so afr lol.
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Hey Jonty,
Nice to hear from you. I assume you've been very busy. Thank you for the nice comment and support as usual.
Talk to you later.
Dan
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As always your work is truly amazing! I wrote to you back in March and finished my first monster on the 17th March actually. I have been having so much fun with "Karl" that I've gotten side-tacked and haven't written. I took him out to show a few curious friends one night and now I can't go anywhere without someone asking me "where's Karl"? Very funny, he has quite the following... The last time you'd responded, you had asked me to send you a picture when I was done. I'd like to do that. If you let me know how I need to send that to you I'd be more than happy to do so. Dan your work is stunning, and I thank you for sharing it!
Sheri
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hi Sherri,
It's great to hear from you! Congratulations on the completion of your project. I'd love to meet Karl. You can send me a photo at dan@gourmetpapermache.com . I'd like to post it on my site.
Now it's time for number 2, right?
Keep in touch.
Dan
PS. Thank you for the nice comment. I still feel about my projects like you do about Karl.
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Wow, I'm so impressed with all your work. That dragon is to die for. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a message about my projects at Grammie Camp. The work on your blog wants me to do more PM with my kiddos...You truly do inspirational work!!
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Hi Gail,
I'm so flattered that you came to my site. Thank you. Seriously, you must be the best "grammie" on the planet. Keep up the great work.
Dan
PS. My children called my mom "grammie". Such a nice term. And such a nice blog you've put together.
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I don't know how I missed this one! I love the claws! I also think it's very clever and creative to have their claws different colors. Very nice!
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Thank you Lindsey,
I posted this just after you left your last comment I think. Anyway thank you as always for the support. I'm really happy the way these are turning out.
Talk to you soon.
Dan
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Hi Dan, couldn't find an email, so - Im looking for an artist to make an approx 3'paper mache hippo. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please email me.
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Hi Dan
I follow your posts with my email and could not comment on the new lol
I am Brazilian and I love paper mache,'ve been here many times before to see their projects, this one in particular is fantastic, I love the finish you give, makes them very realistic. My work with paper mache lies in jewelry but I can not help me with surprising results, one day I plan on trying to make a dragon, are very very friendly. Sorry for any mistake in writing but I'm using the google translator and it sometimes compromises the meaning of phrases, but it was the only way I found to express myself here. I wish you a great result and I thank you for your generosity in showing how it does.
Hugs
Marta Rocha
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Hello Marta,
Thank you for your kind words. It is always nice to meet other paper mache artists. I use Google translator as well. Yes, sometimes the translations are very strange. But I understand this comment perfectly. Good luck on your art work. Thanks again for writing.
Dan
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I'm doing a project at school and it involves interviewing someone so I was wondering if you could just answer these 6 questions.
1. What are the best techniques used for paper mache?
2. I've found multiple recipes for the paste used for paper mache, in your opinion, what works best?
3. What is the best type of support you can use to help mold the paper mache?
4. What form of art is paper mache best used for? Like, masks or vases?
5. Are there certain paints that won't adhere to the paper mache? If so, what kinds?
6. If there is any information on paper mache that you have found interesting you can let me know here.
thanks so much
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Hi Taylor,
I will answer these questions by email. Talk to you soon.
Dan
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Hello Dan!
I've been inspired by you since last year when I looked up paper mache and found your work. I'm a huge dinosaur lover and decided to be one this year for Halloween. My velociraptor head is made with your techniques in mind
Looooooooove your work!
>JenE
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Hi JenE.
Of course I remember you. I'm so glad you stuck with your plan to make a dinosaur. A couple things about the cloth. Take the sheet and cut notches just inside the seams. Tear off the edges. The cut notches along an edge of various widths. Tear the sheet into those strips. Fold the strips and pull off the strings. Then cut where the cloth is folded. That way you will have a pile of clothe pieces frayed on two sides. Those seems will almost disappear when applied. Don't water down the glue but do squeegee out the excess before you apply the cloth pieces.
Good luck and have fun. Thanks for popping by. I'd love a photo for my site when you are done if you are inclined.
See you
Dan
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Hey Dan, I have not caught up with all your latest entries.What a mammoth job.I have to show my kids.Well... we got finished in time for the Art exhibition.Would u like 2 look at our blog again 2 see? http://room6waiuku.blogspot.com/ I 4got to put a picture of mine up. Should I email some of the pictures through to you of the kids ones?
Cheers
Jan
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Hey Jan,
The monsters look great! Talk about a big job. Doing paper mache with a class of kids is an amazing amount of work.
I would love to have the group photo for my site. I don't have enough room for every individual photo. And it would be bad to choose just a few kids. But I would love to post a class photo. Could you email it to me at dan@gourmetpapermache.com ?
Thank you for sharing.
And great work! You are a saint for taking on such a project
Dan
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I bet you can do some really interesting things with scales. Have you ever tried to over lap them? That way they are layered like a snakes scales. Either way I think you have a neat effect going on here. Can't wait to take a peak at your finished product.
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Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad you like my art work. I have used a number of different scale configurations. They all break up space very well.
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hi Dan!
well i'm doing a project for my art class and i really like how you use cloth mache. so can i ask you a few questions ?
1) do i just use regular old bed sheet covers ?
2) have any tips for making the paste for the cloth ?
3) how do i make my own designs (scales)
4) any tips because im making a komodo dragon.
5) and finally what kind of paint do you use on your projects ?
okay thank you. it would be nice if you made a demo of cloth mache too. but anyways i love you projects and they're really inspirational! okay bye(:
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Hello AJ,
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you are awesome!!! so much detail and you look like you have a great time too. whare do you get the eyes for your projects?
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Thank you Jami!
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i love how you do it its amazing how you do cloth but i have a question how do you do the polygon scales is it cloth to
i really want to say you are amazing person i do paper mache and i looked up on youtube and i typed in papaer mache dragon and i clicked on you it is amazing i just wish that you could teach me your an amazing guy my phone number is 541-639-1550 you can call or text your amazing
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Hello Pablo,
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you like my dragons. Those polygons are simply pieces of cloth with the edges and corners folded in. That's all.
Take care
Dan
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Thanks for replying I have another question thow wat glue do you use for the cloth Dan
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Hello again Pablo,
I use old bed sheets for the cloth and white glue (the common brand is Elmer's but any all -purpose white glue will work like PVA).
Hope this helps.
Dan
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