New Paper Mache Baby Dragon
Hello,
Well, I've actually finished this dragon. I really wrestled with the paint job. More about that on the next post. That's when I'll do the final "reveal." I just haven't had the time to take the final photos. I've decided to do this one post on the baby dragon in the nest. Again, in case you just want to see the baby and run, here it is, in the egg, with Eddy guarding.
it was the egg.
I used Jonni's "paper clay" to make the shell of the eggs. That stuff is great. I just made some paper balls and put the paper clay on the outside. I wasn't sure what size of egg I wanted, so I made a bunch, as you can see.
Once they were dry I sanded them. I didn't care if they were perfectly smooth. After all, they are dragon eggs. Then I cut one open with my utility knife and pulled out the paper wad.
As you can see below, I just started with a few odds and ends of paper mache balls I had laying around. I didn't do any kind of formal paper mache on the little dragon. I just sculpted with small pieces of paper mache and masking tape.
I hot glued on some eyes and teeth. I wrapped masking tape around wire to make the "fingers" of the little dragon wings.
I tried to add analogous features to the big dragon, like the spikes down the spine. Of course they would be the baby versions of the mom dragon. I didn't take any photos of the cloth mache process. Suffice it to say that it took time and patience. Working small is harder than working large in many ways. Many times people will write to me wanting me to make them a "small" dragon. I've learned over the years that a request like that really means, "Make me something inexpensive." The truth is, in many cases, it takes me longer to make something small than it does to make something large. Still, I enjoyed making this little guy.
Thanks for stopping by. I'll take some photos this weekend of the finished piece.
Well, I've actually finished this dragon. I really wrestled with the paint job. More about that on the next post. That's when I'll do the final "reveal." I just haven't had the time to take the final photos. I've decided to do this one post on the baby dragon in the nest. Again, in case you just want to see the baby and run, here it is, in the egg, with Eddy guarding.
Note the little bear next to the jar. That is Eddy's favorite toy. It's become just a blob over the years. He brings it to me as an offering. He drops it in front of me when I'm working. It's his way of saying, "pay attention to me!."
So, in case you've ever wondered, which came first, the baby paper mache dragon or the paper mache egg...it was the egg.
I used Jonni's "paper clay" to make the shell of the eggs. That stuff is great. I just made some paper balls and put the paper clay on the outside. I wasn't sure what size of egg I wanted, so I made a bunch, as you can see.
Once they were dry I sanded them. I didn't care if they were perfectly smooth. After all, they are dragon eggs. Then I cut one open with my utility knife and pulled out the paper wad.
As you can see below, I just started with a few odds and ends of paper mache balls I had laying around. I didn't do any kind of formal paper mache on the little dragon. I just sculpted with small pieces of paper mache and masking tape.
I hot glued on some eyes and teeth. I wrapped masking tape around wire to make the "fingers" of the little dragon wings.
I tried to add analogous features to the big dragon, like the spikes down the spine. Of course they would be the baby versions of the mom dragon. I didn't take any photos of the cloth mache process. Suffice it to say that it took time and patience. Working small is harder than working large in many ways. Many times people will write to me wanting me to make them a "small" dragon. I've learned over the years that a request like that really means, "Make me something inexpensive." The truth is, in many cases, it takes me longer to make something small than it does to make something large. Still, I enjoyed making this little guy.
Here he is in the nest, waiting to be fed.
And here he is with mother.
Thanks for stopping by. I'll take some photos this weekend of the finished piece.
Posted by Dan the Monster-man at 4/29/2011 6:35 AM 
Categories: New Paper Mache Dragon Project
Tags: paper mache papier mache arts and crafts raptors dragons instructions babies royal wedding
Categories: New Paper Mache Dragon Project
Tags: paper mache papier mache arts and crafts raptors dragons instructions babies royal wedding
Dan, you are the man! This project is breathtaking. I seriously want to be you when I grow up (I'm only 32, there is still time.) Amazing. Is this going to be on display somewhere? I have to see it!!
I love getting your project updates as it inspires me to let my creativity flow. If only my creativity could flow with as much talent as yours! By the way, any plans to teach any workshops anytime? I would love to have your direct guidance to improve my skills. Not that they will ever rival yours. Wow.Wow. Triple Wow.
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Love your process!
thank you for sharing.
Monique
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Hey Monique,
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Oh that baby turned out so stinkin cute!!! And boy do I know how working with small stuff is, I really want to get into doing more larger items somehow! (I only have a small place). He is just fabulous, what detail Dan!! That Eddy is just a sweetie, hahah his toy, isn't that too funny!!! I am so glad you are done and we finally get to see the end of this movie! Then onto another one??? You have got us hooked now, like a soap opera! (whats gonna happen next?!!) Can't wait to see what colors you have chosen, if you're happy, it must be fantastic!!! This has been so cool to watch your whole process, as usual, again, thank you so much for letting us follow it!!! Anxiously awaiting!!
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Hi Suz,
Yes, I guess you understand working small. I hope the colors show up well in the photos. You never get the subtlety with photos. But I bought a new camera. So I'll see how it goes. I'll post soon, I promise.
Talk to you later. Thanks for the nice remarks, as usual.
Dan
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Welcome to my world of small! Amazing work.
That baby is perfect. I love his little legs curled inside his shell. You and momma dragon both deserve to be very proud.
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Hi Willow,
Yes, I am proud, like a parent. I hope you like the colors. Thanks for stopping by. I know that this project has dragged on.
See you
Dan
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The dragon nest is stunning!I can only imagine that it will be totally spectacular when finished. Again, your work is exclusive and invigorating. You as an artist, are a tremendous asset for all who see your work, by sharing your inspiration.Thank-you for your generosity in sharing ideas and instructional pictures with such enthusiasm. I applaud you!Bravo! Well done!
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Hi Eva,
Hope all is well with you. You are always very complimentary. I really appreciate it. You'll have to tell me if you think it turned out well. I'll get photos this weekend.
Take care
Dan
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My vocabulary fails me. I can't come up with any adjectives to even begin to describe this. I will instead just bow to greatness!
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Wow, I'm very flattered Joey! Thank you so much for the wonderful endorsement. I truly appreciate it.
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do you have the recipe for "jonni's paper clay" ? that you used for the eggs?
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Hi Lisa,
The best thing to use is her video on making it. That's what I did. I never follow recipes perfectly. Go to Youtube and search "paper clay" and it will come right up.
Dan
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Hi Lisa, Dan, hope you don't mind, I wanted to give Lisa the website, since I didn't see her video come up very easy on YouTube.. http://ultimatepapermache.com/ thats Jonni's website where you can find that recipe Lisa.
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Thanks Suz,
Here is the video as well.
Dan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f84FvxLHCnk&feature=related
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You are the greatest master in paper mache!I like your dragons very much!Your dragon is so nice!
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Hi Anton,
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Your monsters are magnificent! I love your book, too - especially the simplicity of the directions and your humor.
I am a fiber artist here in Seattle and I am working on an installation project. I am using your techniques to build the chassis for some kinetic dragonflies that I will ultimately cover with fabric and baubles. I am not having excellent results with my modeling/sculpting. I am curious if you would be willing to work with me for two or three hours to review what I've done and give me some practical tips (get our hands in the mache) to build out my dragonflies to be more elegant and refined.
If so, I would l would love to know your availability and rate.
Thank you so much considering!
Best,
Wyly
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Estoy haciendo unos dragon, y me gutsría saber como haces los dientes y uñas de los dragones, gracias, Dan
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Hola Marcos. Estoy muy feliz de saber que usted está haciendo un dragón. Estoy usando Google Translate, y no podría decir si se hace una pregunta acerca de los dientes y las garras. Yo uso la arcilla del polímero para hacer, por lo general un producto llamado "Fimo".
Buena suerte a usted.
Dan
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Hola Dan. Estoy muy interesado en tu fantastica madre del bebe dragon y su hermano, la madre ed realmente una obra de arte. Estoy haceindo, como ya te he dicho, u ndragon parecido a ese, aunque no igual, me estoy fijando en algunos detalles, y me gustaria saber como haces las escamas triangulares y las alas.
Gracias,Dan, (eres el mejor)
Marcos
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Hola Marcos,
Puedo hacer las escalas con piezas cuadradas de tela. Yo los baño en cola blanca y luego doble a dos de las esquinas para formar un punto. Hago uso de las alas de tela (sábanas viejas cama) sumergido en la cola blanca también. Me cuelgue la ropa en tiempo "los dedos". Buena suerte en tu proyecto. Gracias por sus amables palabras.
Dan
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Gracias, Dan.
Me han servido de mucho tus consejos y los tendre muy en cuenta a la hora de hacer mi escultura.
Muchisimas gracias,
Marcos
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Hola de nuevo, Dan. Mi dragon me esta quedando muy chulo. Tiene una forma parecida a aquella madre dragon que hiciste tu del bebe dragon.
(Paper mache baby dragon)
Me gustaria saber tu opinion de si le quedaria mejor un cuello largo o uno corto.
Espero tu respuesta.
Gracias, Dan (como ya dije, el mejor)
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Hola de nuevo Marcos. Es Marcos? También se firmó Javier. A veces uso el cuello corto y los cuellos a veces largo. Depende del dragón. Se trata de una cuestión de criterio. Estoy seguro de que se ven muy bien, no importa que el cuello se utiliza.
¡Buena suerte!
Dan
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Hola, Dan. En uno de sus comentarios en este blog he visto una foto de una gárgola de papel mache ¡impresionante!. Y me está encantando la ``dark butterfly'', he visto cada uno de sus pasos y también su libro. Me alegro de que un gran artista como usted comporta sus trabajos.
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Hola Dan. He entrado en tu pagina,
www.papermachedragon.com (tu pagina de dragones), pero no puedo entrar en tu galería 3. ¿Por que es esto?. Me encantaría ver esos dragones de la galería 3.
Un saludo, Marcos
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Hola de nuevo Marcos,
No tengo idea de por qué usted no puede entrar en la galería. Lo he probado y parece funcionar. Lo siento.
Dan
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Gracias de todos modos
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Hola de nuevo, Dan:
Me gustaría saber, cuando haces un dragon,
¿cuantas capas de tela mojada en cola y agua le pones para que se quede duro?
Gracias, Dan (eres el mejor)
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Quiero decir, cuantas capas le pones de tela para que se quede resistente
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Hola Marcos. Por lo general sólo poner una capa de tela en mi dragón. Sin embargo, hay una capa adicional en la que puso la balanza. Las escalas de añadir otra capa.
Dan
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