New Paper Mache Dragon-assembly!

This is where the fun really begins for me.    I have all the paper mache pieces I need and I can just start putting them together.
   
As you can see, I chose the larger, more elongated paper mache ball for the body.  I cut a hole in the bottom and inserted the tail.    I continually check the dragon against the nest.
 
I get an idea for where the right leg will need to be.  I cut a hole in the paper mache body.   I always try to make the hole slightly smaller than the appendage I insert.    Paper mache will give a bit as I push the leg in and the fit will be tight.  
 
This is how the dragon will stand on the nest.

Here is a look from behind.      I'll have another post soon.   Thanks for stopping by.

Oh, by the way, I was accepted for a second round of the "Storefronts Project".    So I'll get to have another display somewhere in the Pioneer Square or International District of Seattle.   I hope to finish this project for that display.   


Posted by Dan the Monster-man at 2/19/2011 10:16 AM
Categories: New Paper Mache Dragon Project
Tags: paper mache papier mache sculpture arts and crafts dragons raptors
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  • 2/19/2011 10:50 AM Isaac wrote:
    Looks good.
    Right now I'm working on some dinosaurs and am wondering if you have found out any more about weather proofing you models.
    Thanks
    Isaac
    Reply to this
    1. 2/19/2011 11:26 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Isaac,
      I haven't found out any more about weatherproofing.   I still have my dragon outside.  It's almost been a year now and he still looks good.  I still expect him to eventually deteriorate.  The only question is when.    I'd like to be able to say eventually that I can expect a project to last a certain number of months (or years, hopefully) outdoors.    I didn't do anything fancy with this dragon.  I just used exterior products when I made him, like exterior glue and exterior enamels.     That doesn't mean that weatherproofing  can't be done of course.    I just think it's hard with the paper strip techniques.   I know that people who use the "mashed" version of paper mache have been somewhat successful with waterproofing.    They essential mix the paper with materials like Bondcrete and use lots of varnish or plastic coatings over the top.    I wish I had more solid information for you.

      Good luck on the dinosaurs.  Sounds like fun.
      Dan

      Reply to this
      1. 2/24/2011 2:47 PM Isaac wrote:
        I'll have have to try the Varnish and then paint it with a good exterior pain, Right now I've got one dinosaur "done" but I'm not sure about it weathering the winter especially, and then two others that are almost done and another that just has legs a neck and tail, But it will be to big to get out of the house so I have to assemble it out side.
        Reply to this
        1. 2/24/2011 2:54 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
          Hi Isaac,
          I'm glad to hear that your dinosaurs are  moving ahead.  You should definitely experiment.  The only way to tell what works is to put the pieces out into the elements and watch.   My friend Jackie did some experiments with weatherproofing.   She wrote a nice article about her results.  I posted the link below.   The article is about half way down.
          Good luck.
          Dan

          http://www.papiermache.co.uk/articles/

          Reply to this
          1. 3/14/2011 5:01 PM Isaac wrote:
            I read the article and I might just try it, although I'm leaning more to using Fiberglass over the paper instead of the cloth.
            I had made a triceratops last year and had it out side all winter. It was under shelter and so didn't get much snow on it but all the paper that just had a clear coat of paint on it is a trashed so I'll have to redo the head and then make sure it is weather proof.
            I have a Dilophosaurus and a Tsintaosaurus that have all the paper done but none of the protective covering, The main reason for it is I don't have space in the house. I know you have used cats as the base for some of your dragons but I think you could also use dinosaurs as the base and then greatly "dragonise"(make it look like a dragon) it
            Reply to this
            1. 3/15/2011 9:10 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
              Hi again Isaac,
              It's nice to see you experimenting.  Over the years I had many requests for outdoor pieces.    There was an owner of a shopping mall who wanted dragons hanging inside bell towers.   I really wanted to do them but I hadn't developed techniques for outdoor use.     I did experiment with fiberglass.   It drove me crazy.   Nasty stuff.    Of course I was using the fiberglass resin.   You must use that outside with lots of protection.   I realized that I had entered the world of Disney and decided to give it up.   I hope you have better luck.  

              I have made dragons based upon dinosaurs.    I agree, that's a perfect match.
              Good luck.   I hope it works out.   
              Dan
              PS.  Space is an issue for me too.    It takes a lot of space to do large pieces of 3D art.

              Reply to this
              1. 3/15/2011 10:46 AM Isaac wrote:
                Right now I think my only option left is the Fiberglass. The Triceratops that I had out all winter I'm thinking was becoming some animals lunch. So whatever it was that was eating it will get a mouth full of slivers he he tries to eat it again. I let you know how my fiberglass experimentation goes.
                Reply to this
                1. 3/15/2011 10:56 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
                  Yes, I'd love to know how it turns out.  Are you going to use the fiberglass resin with the fiberglass?   You probably already know all this, but the catalyst you use with the resin is severely dangerous.   Make sure you use eye protection and gloves.   Just thought I should say so.  Good luck.  I hope it works.
                  Reply to this
                  1. 3/15/2011 11:05 AM Isaac wrote:
                    I'll be looking like an astronaut when I do it, I don't what to kill any more of me than I have to. Yes I'll be using resin and the fibers. I'll be getting it all latter this week and then doing it on the weekend depending on the weather.
                    You mentioned that you had tried it too, did you put it over the glue and fabric or paper and paste? becasue I'm worried that the paper will soak up the resin and I'll need to use a lot more.
                    I am also hoping that it works.
                    Reply to this
                    1. 3/15/2011 11:11 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
                      Hi again, 
                      I used it instead of the cloth and glue.   After I sculpted with the paper mache balls etc, I put on a "skin" of fiberglass.  It didn't soak into the paper any more than the Elmer's glue soaked in (in fact, it soaked in much less since it's so thick).

                      Reply to this
                      1. 3/15/2011 11:14 AM Isaac wrote:
                        Thanks very much and keep up the good work.
                        Reply to this
  • 2/19/2011 2:08 PM ANDE wrote:
    WOW Dan, your dragon already looks so cool. Can't waiting to see the next stage. It looks like one of your other dragons is supervising your work. And by the way, the dog that "ate the homework" decided to eat the top of the head of Jackson's Herterodontasorus. Not good.
    Reply to this
    1. 2/19/2011 2:26 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Ande,
      I'm glad you like the dragon so far.   A dog that eats homework and monsters, strange.   Thanks for stopping by.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 2/19/2011 2:12 PM Ande wrote:
    WOW Dan, your dragon already looks so cool. Can't waiting to see the next stage. It looks like one of your other dragons is supervising your work. And by the way, the dog that "ate the homework" decided to eat the top of the head of Jackson's Herterodontasorus. Not good. And Spencer's quatzecotle won first place in his schools "pinata" section and is now going to State finals.
    Reply to this
    1. 2/19/2011 2:27 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      That's great news about the quatzecotle!   What a nice compliment!
      Reply to this
  • 2/20/2011 2:43 AM Jonty wrote:
    This is the point in a creation where they scream for the most attemtion i find. his is the part of your creations Dan that i like to watch from the most. The turning point where they actually come to life.

    Great news on the store front show. Man i wish i could be there to see one in person oh well pics will have to surfice lol.
    Reply to this
    1. 2/20/2011 9:33 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Thank you Jonty.   I know that you understand that point very well.  All the grunt work becomes worth it.   Talk to you later.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 3/19/2011 9:20 AM Allisart wrote:
    Just found your blog. I have your first book and will get more. Art teacher here (middle school)...and making monsters with my sculpture students. Could use advice on tape and glue resources-to keep cost down but still get good results. Kids are excited!
    Reply to this
    1. 3/19/2011 9:28 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi there,
      It's nice to meet you!   You are a true hero for teaching kids this technique!   I use Home Depot and Lowe's for tape.   Lowe's sells Elmer's glue for $12.95 a gallon. That is as cheap as I've found it anywhere.  It was $9.95 until very recently.   Have the kids bring in old sheets and used paint, only water based.    
      Good luck!  Let me know if you have more questions.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 5/5/2011 6:58 PM Cristy wrote:
    This is absolutely Amazing! I love it
    Reply to this
    1. 5/5/2011 7:01 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Thank you Cristy!  I'm very happy that you like her (and the baby).  I appreciate you taking the time to tell me so.
      Dan

      Reply to this
  • 5/11/2011 8:16 PM Raven Jones wrote:
    Wow! I have got to say even from seeing just this sole piece that I know I am going to enjoy viewing your other pieces!
    This summer I have made it a goal of mine to produce a few sculpture pieces (I am usually a 2-D type of artist-graphic, advertising and traditional 2-D) but I couldn't quite decide on a medium.
    Now that's no longer a problem-thank you for the inspiration
    Reply to this
    1. 5/13/2011 4:50 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Raven,
      I'm really happy that you stopped by.  Thank you for the kind words.   I hope you give this medium a try.    It's really fun.
      Good luck!
      Dan
      Reply to this
  • 5/12/2011 11:41 AM pilar wrote:
    sencillamente hermoso!!
    I love dragons, thanks for that!!
    Reply to this
    1. 5/13/2011 4:51 PM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hello Pilar,
      Thank you for the nice compliment.   I love dragons too.  Take care
      Dan
      Reply to this
  • 5/22/2011 9:37 PM Erin wrote:
    just wondering when you were going to put up part 4 of your Instructional Videos? thanks
    Reply to this
    1. 5/23/2011 6:29 AM Dan the Monster-man wrote:
      Hi Erin,
      Maybe this summer with the next installment.   But I'm not sure.   It's complicated.  Sorry.   But truly, there is nothing that will be in that video that I haven't shown a few times already in the builds I've put on the blogs.     I just have to see how much time I have.
      Dan
      Reply to this
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