New Paper Mache Dragon- Finished!
Okay, if I wait until I have the perfect photos this dragon will never get shown. So I'm going to force myself to stop taking photos and show you what I have. I think these photos are all right, but as any self-respecting artist will tell you, photos simply don't capture the subtlety in the color. Trust me, this dragon is really beautiful in person. Since the nest is made of driftwood this dragon would live by the sea. So I wanted her to be sea greens and blues. Here she is.





Yes, here is my cheesy Photoshop effort to create her spot by the water.
I made the first post about this dragon on January 29. This took some time and effort, no doubt about it. For those of you who followed the build, thanks for being patient.
Next up, I'll show you how to build a laughing buddha.
Dan





Yes, here is my cheesy Photoshop effort to create her spot by the water.
I made the first post about this dragon on January 29. This took some time and effort, no doubt about it. For those of you who followed the build, thanks for being patient.
Next up, I'll show you how to build a laughing buddha.
Dan




Woah! That is amazing! You hit the sea colors perfectly, right down to the sunset colors in her spine and wings. I know it was a lot of time and effort, but I would have to say it was worth it. Definitely a feast for the eyes!
Reply to this
Thank you Joey! I'm very glad that you like it. And it's nice of you to take the time to say so.
Good luck on your art.
Dan
Reply to this
Gorgeous, Dan. Perfectly gorgeous.
Reply to this
Thank you Willow. I really appreciate all your support.
Dan
Reply to this
I thought I'd check the blog and was surprised to see the pics, I usually get a notification, Good thing I got anxious and curious!! The moment we have all been waiting for and what a finished piece of art!!! If it looks this fantastic, man I would like to see it in person, I do know how the camera does not catch it fully, so it must be mind blowing! Can you get a video of it by any chance? I'd love to see a panorama full circle of this beauty! Love how the red eyes really stand out with the green, what a masterpiece, Dan!!! She is a winner, you are the master!! What an amazing amount of work you have put into this project, you should be very proud for sure! Its absolutely spectacular!!
Reply to this
Hey Suz,
I'm glad you stopped by too. I will try to get a video when I can hang it someplace. This was hard to photograph because it's just stuck on a board with black cloth behind it. I don't have a lot of wall space. So a video would catch the mish-mash of backgrounds. But I'll do that once I find a place for it.
Thank you for your nice comment. It's very gratifying to know that you appreciate the efforts.
Hope you are doing a lot of art as well.
Dan
Reply to this
Hi Dan,
your dragon is very very beautiful. You can be proud of her. I love the way baby has the same colours as mum. You are right, I think with the photos, it is hard to capture the subtle colour changes...but I can see the some colour changes on the wings etc and she looks great! I was wondering about some fine redish veins on the wings? I think that the area is large and might call for more detail of some kind...maybe redish veins of some kind. Red pops up to me as the colour and will contast well with all the green. It would also tie in with the colour from the lovely dragon mouth. I hope you dont mind me saying this. It is only a suggestion. It is your dragon, you know best what she needs. It is wonderful to see the colour on her, I have been waiting to see how she looks...lovely!
Reply to this
Hi Cherry,
Thanks for the nice comment. I know you've been checking in. I'll think about the veins, although my head is already working on the next project. I probably won't do any more work on this one. But I appreciate the idea.
Thanks for the support.
Dan
Reply to this
Dan she and the baby are absolutely amazing. Brilliant work as usual! Congratulations on yet another job beyond well done!!!!
Reply to this
Thanks Angie! Nice of you to write. It's nice to know that there are people out there who like dragons.
See you.
Dan
Reply to this
Absolutely Amazing!
Reply to this
Thanks Al! It's much appreciated.
Dan
Reply to this
My GAWD Dan - what an absolutely GORGEOUS piece!!! The detail, the coloring, the intricate and elaborate finwork on top of tghe head and
body - kudos my friend!!!
Reply to this
Hey Stephane,
High praise from another dragon maker. Thank you! Hope all is well with you.
Dan
Reply to this
WOW. There aren't enough words to describe what an incredible artist/sculptor you are. I love the detail and can't help but want to touch her. She is gorgeous and her wee one is precious. Thank you once again for sharing your knowledge and expertise.
Reply to this
Hi Ande,
Nice to hear from you. I'm really flattered by your nice comment. I must say, even after all these years, it's very gratifying to start with nothing and, all of a sudden, there is something. I think that's one of the most compelling experiences there is. It's frosting on the cake if other people enjoy it too. Thank you so much.
Dan
Reply to this
WOW that turned out great! I really like how the spines/fin turned out. Beautiful work, sir!
Reply to this
Thank you Brian! Very nice of you to say.
Dan
Reply to this
Great paper mache piece. I do sculptures with layered paper. Most of my pieces are 5 feet tall. How large is the dragon? Dee
Reply to this
Hi Dee,
Reply to this
What a GREAT job! This has to be the best so far. The colors are perfect and the baby is so cute!
The pictures look pretty amazing to me.
I can see a lot of the different colors.
I have really enjoyed watching this process.
Almost every day I was checking to see if there were updates.
Thank You for taking the time to give all the detailed instructions.
You must be keeping this one?
Lori
Reply to this
Hi Lori,
Reply to this
WOW---what a spectacular creation she is! I found your site by accident, and HAD to subscribe. Love your attention to detail....fabulous. I'm sure you've addressed this somewhere in your blog, but what do you use for the eyes?
Reply to this
Hi Janet. I'm glad you found me. Thanks for taking the time to say hi and for your nice words about the dragon. I use taxidermy eyes. I don't like the industry (the idea of killing a beautiful lion to stuff makes me sick). But I just can't make glass eyes. i use several companies. You can find them all by just googling "glass eyes". They all sell online.
Reply to this
Oh, no worries---I'll definitely be back----can't wait to see your next creation!
Reply to this
Absolutely incredible! We have really enjoyed following along on this project. Thank you so much for sharing.
Reply to this
Hello Maria,
Reply to this
It is great to see your work. I do not understand why there are not more paper mache artists. It is such a terrific medium...dee
Reply to this
I wonder all the time why there aren't more paper mache artists. It's such a great medium. Thanks again for your nice comment.
Reply to this
Dan - she is amazing, just absolutely stunning amazing. I dare say she is your best work to date. LOVE LOVE LOVE her. Can I have her? Please?
Reply to this
Thank you Arlene! I'm sorry, but she wants to stay with me. Of course, we all have our price....
I appreciate the nice comment, truly.
Dan
Reply to this
So when do we get the double-speed video on you making this one from start to finish?! ;>
This is just an incredibly inspiring piece of art. Thanks!
Rich
Reply to this
Hey Rich,
Reply to this
Absolutely beautiful! Does she naturally balance or is she attached to her perch? Also, would it be possible to have a close-up on the squiggly tail end? My mind can't wrap itself around the tail spines heading around but they're so cool!
Reply to this
Hi Liz!
Reply to this
GhoulishCop has been spreading the word about your phenomenal dragon over on www.hauntforum.com. I'm so glad he did, because this needs to be seen! I stumbled across your site a couple of years ago and unfortunately let it drop off my radar. I've corrected that mistake, and will be visiting on a regular basis. Truly inspirational work! Looks like I need to step up my game and get back to PMing. I've been in hibernation for much too long.
Reply to this
Hello Jayson,
Reply to this
GhoulishCop has been spreading the word about your phenomenal dragon over on www.hauntforum.com. I'm so glad he did, because this needs to be seen! I stumbled across your site a couple of years ago and unfortunately let it drop off my radar. I've corrected that mistake, and will be visiting on a regular basis. Truly inspirational work! Looks like I need to step up my game and get back to PMing. I've been in hibernation for much too long.
Reply to this
Hi Dan -
I love your work!
And thank you so much for let us join all the steps!
Theese both - mom and Baby - I love very special, cause you started this documentation on my birthday...january 29...
Greetings from Germany
mo
Reply to this
Hi Mo,
Thank you for your nice comment! And happy very belated birthday! Greetings from Seattle, Washington.
I'm glad you stopped by. Take care.
Dan
Reply to this
This is phenomenal. Love it.
Quick question. I've tried to make Jonni's paper clay, and it works great, hard an strong, but I can never get that smooth texture. It's always rough or stringy like tuna salad or oatmeal. Any suggestions?
Reply to this
Hi Professor Travis! Nice to hear from you! I'm so glad you like the new dragon. I use Jonni's clay too for tusks and things. It is great. But she gets it smooth when she's done mostly by sanding. If it's stringy to begin with, the toilet paper hasn't completely fallen apart. You need to mash it (or food process it) more. I am not a fan of sanding which is one of the reasons I use it for certain parts only. But it does get hard as a rock. Amazing stuff.
Nice to talk to you.
Dan
Reply to this
Does it ever! If I could take the sculpture to the belt sander It might be worth it.
It's nice to know it is stringy for you two. Looks like I need to shop the yard sales for an old food processor. The mixer doesn't cut it.
My latest project has turned out to be a bear.
Anyway, great piece!!
Trav
Reply to this
Hi Travis,
I did use a belt sander on the eggs. Hard stuff is right! I'd love to see your bear. Is there a place I can see it? Sorry if I should know this.
Dan
Reply to this
what if you don't have a belt sander? What grit of sandpaper will it take to get it smooth and is it possible to hand sand it?
Reply to this
You can hand sand it. Just start with a very course sandpaper first, like 80 grit, then move to finer, like 100 grit.
Dan
Reply to this
Wow wow wow! Even more wonderful than I could have imagined. So much time and attention to detail. Just perfect. I can't say enough I love it so much!
Reply to this
Hi Mary,
You are too sweet. Thank for for the very flattering remarks. I'm really happy that you like them.
Thanks for stopping by.
See you.
Dan
Reply to this
Just amazing as always.The paint job is incredible but no black wash this time?I've been wondering about the dragon you made for your daughter are we going to see pics? Looking forward to your next project.
Reply to this
Hi Julia,
Reply to this
Dan, My name is Mrs. Chelsea Deckert. I am a 6th grade art teacher in Park City, Utah. I stumbled acros your site last weekend as I was looking for some large and elaborate paper mache projects to share with my students. We are currently in the process of building small paper mache animals based on Oaxacan woodcarvings from Mexico. I have taught this lesson for several years now and have found that I am not as enthusiastic as I used to be about the project or making even my own examples any more...that is until I saw your site. Wow! What can I say. I have a completely re-newed interest in the art form. I hope you don't mind that I showed a couple of your short clips to my students to get them jazzed. They were all very impressed. We watched the creation of Ganesh and the Albino Dragon. It blew them away, and those who are in the process of making dragons really started looking at their sculptures with renewed interest and possibility. I love how short and sweet the clips are and how you have added the element of music. It makes the process mesmerizing and exciting. They all love your cat too...Just thought you should know the kids in 6th grade here at Ecker Hill all know about Dan the Monster Man. Thank you for publishing your process and sculptures. I look forward to purchasing one of your books and working on my own Dragon sculpture this summer. Maybe next years projects will take on a new twist.
Reply to this
Hello Chelsea,
Reply to this
Hey Dan! I really like the integration of natural drift-wood into the tableau - it certainly adds a realistic touch. Also it looks as if baby has an egg-tooth like baby birds do! Wonderful.
Reply to this
Hi Lyman,
How are you? Thank you for stopping by. I'm glad you like these. I appreciate the nice comment. Hope you are making art as well.
Take care
Dan
Reply to this
Wow! Just Wow! Words escape me, that is the most beautiful dragon I've ever seen.
Reply to this
Thank you so much Gossamer! I truly appreciate the nice comment. So far, it is my favorite dragon as well. Of course I always think that the one I just finished is the best one. Which means my next one will be my very best.
Reply to this
I love this so much! The colors and details are amazing!
I made my first dragon using your methods. I posted the pictures on my blog if you want to see how he turned out.
This by far is my favorite dragon you've done yet. It really is remarkable!
Reply to this
Hi Mary,
I absolutely LOVE your dragon trophy! It's just beautiful. Everyone who visits this blog needs to go see it. AND while you are there, check out the rest of Mary's art. You are a gifted artist indeed. Can I add a link on my site to your blog?
Thank you so much for sharing.
Dan
Reply to this
Thank you Dan! Yes you can add a link, although my art seems so unworthy after seeing this beautiful piece!
I want to add links to inspirational pages on my blog , especially yours! If I can figure out how, may I add a link here as well?
Cheers!
Mary
Reply to this
Hi again Mary,
Yes, that would be nice to exchange links. Keep up the great work. Have fun with your kids (even though you can't get much art done). Being a teacher myself, I must admit that I love the summer.
Talk to you later.
Dan
Reply to this
Your art is amazing! I have to ask, what kind of paint do you use? And do you varnish it afterwards? The baby looks so cute! I'm going to try your techniques soon. Keep up the good work.
Reply to this
Hi Monica,
I just use water-based paints. I buy "all purpose" paint at Home Depot, like Rustoleum , or even any of the brands of house paint. All of these paints are a combination of acrylic and latex. They work very well with the cloth and glue combination. I don't use varnish.
Good luck on your project!
Dan
PS. Thank you for your kind words.
Reply to this
Congratulations! The piece is absolutely fabulous! (pun, yes)
Months ago I posted a pic of my bloated balloon rockfish here. After living on this website for a week or so, I began a new project; replacing an old dragon puppet's head with a more 'dragony' dragon. The project was suspended several times as I avoided working on it out of fear of ruining the thing.
I walk by and glare at it, then finally, it clicks and I get back to work. Where am I now? Why, I've got one webbed ear stuck on and tomorrow, I'll do the other one.
Then I will do the sheet skin and eyelids. Then I will go back to glaring at it, because the next step is paint and that is so not what I am good at. Not at all.
You're right about the time involved. Those quick videos are misleading, lol. But you know, looking at it now, it was worth it. I really like the way it's turning out!
You teach math? Explain to me why three=cheese. If the cheese stands alone, it should equal one.
Reply to this
Hi Barb,
You are very funny. I'm trying to remember the fish. Did I post it? I couldn't find it. What happened there? Did I miss it somehow?
I'm glad you are working on the project. I still go through similar exercises you described...glaring at a project, avoiding it to not mess it up. That artist procrastination is prevalent in the art world I think. But it sounds like you are back on the saddle. I'd love to see the dragon when you are done. And let me know about the first photo.
Have fun. And thank you for the kind remarks.
Dan
Reply to this
I love your dragon, and I'm going to attempt to make this for the Handicap adults that my husband works with for Halloween, Could you please tell me what size eyes you use?
Reply to this
Hello Kris,
I use various sized eyes depending upon the size of the dragon. I'm not sure which one you looked at, but I probably used ones that were around 20 mm. I got them from taxidermists online and they are all sold in metric.
Good luck! I hope you have fun.
Dan
Reply to this
Thank you Dan for the quick response, I'm going to make the New dragon and baby looking so forward to it, thank you for the information on the eyes I do appreciate it.. Kris
Reply to this
Good luck Kris.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Dan
Reply to this
DAN!! Dan...dan...DAN! I can't believe I came across this. This is an incredible piece of artwork. The detail and colors are incredible-I can't stop looking at her!! #1. Your sculptures are Amazing!!! Amazing. #2 My husband and I Love Dragons #3 I am planning on paper mache-ing two Dragons for a booth that I'm going to set up this spring. #4 (and on & on) I had in my minds eye how I was going to do this and it would have looked SO Cheesy had I not run into this site. I've paper mache'd a few things and they've turned out quite well-but something of this magnitude needs fine detail that I am clueless on. (a little less now) Thank you for your information and the effort it takes to share it...so cool. Hope I can contact you when I run into roadblocks in my project. Got a few things going on right now & probably won't start for a couple of months. Looking forward to see more of your art posted and reading more on detail on your current ones!! Thanks! Lyn
Reply to this
Hello Lyn,
It's very nice to meet you! Thank you for the very nice remarks. If you have paper mache experience you certainly are ready for a couple of dragons I would think. I'm glad you found my site. Certainly let me know if you need advice along the way. I'm happy to help.
Take care
Dan
Reply to this
Oh!! forgot to mention-We're neighbors. I'm in Tacoma! Thanks Again!!! Lyn
Reply to this
That's very nice! If you are interested, that dragon is going to be on display for a month along with some other great art. Here's the postcard that's going out. So if you are in Seattle in the month of Sept...
Take care
Reply to this
hi im a big fan of ur work
and a huge fan of dragons and i love working with my hands(unless i have 2 write an essay)so i searched on utube and found ur videos then read ur blogs and they're awsome and i really want 2 make that stuff. but i dont have any wired hangers like the ones use use 2 make the fingers and stuff so i wanted 2 ask u, do u know anywhere i could get them or what else i should use? and thanks 4 posting everything they're really cool and put somethin on my t'do list(which is almost empty, im really desperate)but keep up the good work
Reply to this
Hello Shaaban,
It's nice to meet you. Thank you for the kind note. About the wire clothes hangers. Any wire will do. It doesn't have to be clothes hangers. I'm not sure where you live, but you can always get wire clothes hanger in the US at dry cleaning businesses. You can also buy them online on Ebay. And you can get them at "thrift" stores (places where they resell clothing and other used items).
Good luck. I hope you do try this out. You know you will enjoy it.
Dan
Reply to this
hi im a big fan of ur work
and a huge fan of dragons and i love working with my hands(unless i have 2 write an essay)so i searched on utube and found ur videos then read ur blogs and they're awsome and i really want 2 make that stuff. but i dont have any wired hangers like the ones use use 2 make the fingers and stuff so i wanted 2 ask u, do u know anywhere i could get them or what else i should use? and thanks 4 posting everything they're really cool and put somethin on my t'do list. so keep up the good work
Reply to this
Hi Dan! I'd like to thank you -- thanks for your book "the simple screamer". I was a youngish mother, whose little son was taking a trip to Death Valley with his Dad. It was deep winter where I was. (fire and ice all told.)I had about 10 days start to finish to complete a sculpture and enter a show called "Myth, Legend and Tale". Not sure what prompted me, but after reading your book I could see the 'how'. The silk and cotton...I had the start of a book I am still!! working on, and its two characters: an aging dragon master, the last of his lineage, and his young disciple. Two very much alone. I read your book, and made the two dragons, a tableaux, with the prologue of the 'book' included, and won "best in show, non-functional" which never ceases to humour and entertain me!
Thank you! You're a master of facilitation. From the prologue Of "Feldspar" : "Every seed takes up its perfect space, Little Snake, even the rotten ones."
Reply to this
Hello Alison,
I am severely flattered and honored that my book played a role in your artistic journey. People have often asked me why I give my techniques away. Well, this is why. Every so often I'll get a note such as yours, and it is so incredibly gratifying. The fact is, this art feeds me the right way, it keeps me out of trouble, it allows what's inside of me to find its way outside of me. It's very powerful. When I hear stories like yours, it just confirms that art can be transformative. I'm very happy that you found an artistic outlet. You are obviously the kind of person who has a lot inside that needs to be let out. Your books sounds wonderful! The prologue is beautiful. I would love to see your dragons (and your book when you finish). Do you have photos you could share?
Thank you so much for taking the time to write. You made my night.
Dan
Reply to this
edit: Make that "space" (for "place")
Wish you all the best, Dan!
jajaja, "severely" flattered-- sounds painful!!!(in the longrun) I kept submitting, here, and being told my text did not "match the security code" --which I kept inputting. Glad it finally took--or you may never have known you were present at that time. I have photos, but no scanner--will try to do something...
I am just feeling a resurgence of papier mache fire.
Yes; so odd, isn't it? This time thing. --It can be decades before you know what a wonderful impact you make, somewhere, some time. g'night.
PS--your spellcheck wants me to change jajajaja (the universal laugh) to "carjack". What a world! I foresee a new book, for you.
Reply to this
Hi again Alison.
I've been so busy lately that I haven't been able to do my art work. It's killing me. Good luck quenching your paper mache fire.
Sometimes spell checks are more trouble than they are worth.
Take care
Dan
Reply to this
I'm starting to look at all kinds of fabric with that cloth-mache eye...
I want to add, this dragon and her little one are superb. really lovely work. If you want a name for her,how about Wyvernessa?(for the Sea in her) She looks like a real Matriarch.
best with the speech and all!
Reply to this
Hi Alison,
I'm glad you like the dragon and her baby. I'll think about the name. That is very regal indeed.
Working on my speech today. I'm in stage where it's either 10 minutes or 2 hours long. Can't tell.
See you
Dan
Reply to this
Dan, if you fear it looks like I'm 'stalking' you--please don't worry: it's just a strange glitch in the fabric of time: where it's all pleated up at the moment. (I'm now going to cloth mache a lamp base; so many applications! Have just repaired its leaves with celluclay. feeling very inspired.! Enjoyed also you "Igniting Seattle" talk-- Hmm. next time: TED: and 'everything' cloth-mache?)
So, on page 84 of your monsters book, it occurs to me; why are you not doing an ad for 3M--or whoever makes the masking tape? Wouldn't that be great? You must use a tone of it. Isn't this what's known as a win-win situation? Put a low-carbon footprint spin on it (like say, an elephant's foot: I was reading about this in a book on persian carpets; the word is gabbeh I believe. I'm just thinking, lesphants are low-carbon footprint, right? This takes some consideration. The White Bone, a book, might inspire. I'm full of these ideas, and can't use them all myself. If I can help in any more concrete way let me know--I think I was an ad maven in a former life.
Reply to this
Hi Alison,
No I don't think you are a stalker. Now that may change if I see you peeking in the windows of my studio. I'm glad you are feeling inspired. I'm also glad you liked the Ignite video. I'm not real happy with it. The harsh light made me look 20 years older (I'm old enough thank you). The format was unbelievable, the slide advanced every 15 seconds automatically. I'm using that talk as a starting point for my keynote in Texas. Only I get 90 minutes instead of 5 to say what I want. Quite a different format!
I've actually tried to avoid endorsing any particular product. I've even refused to become a "partner" in Youtube because I'd have to have ads pop up on them. Over the years I've picked up a real disdain for ads. Sorry if this offends the ad maven in you from a previous lifetime. Nevertheless, you are a very creative person I can see.
Good luck on all your projects.
Dan
Reply to this
Oh my gosh Dan, I was surfing late at night for some fun projects, i love to sculpt, paint, create etc, But Dude you blew my mind! Your techniques and projects have inspired me soo much you have no idea, im so freakin excited. So glad i stumbled upon your site, i just ordered your Monster book on ebay. Dan...you truly are the Man, and hilarious by the way, i enjoy your videos, you crack me up. Thanks for awakening my inner paper mache monster
Reply to this
Hello Raygun,
Thanks for the nice comment! I'm very happy that you like my work. Good luck on your projects. I think that you will enjoy this medium.
Take care
Dan
PS. You bought my book on Ebay? I didn't know that people were selling them on that site. I'll have to check it out.
Reply to this
Hi Dan,
After seeing your videos and pictures... I am hooked! You have the most gifted of talents and are truly a great teacher with a cool sense of humor.
Having always collected and enjoyed dragons for many years (one of my Christmas trees was all dragons last year) it is thrilling to have a medium to finally be able to create one of my own. I am attempting my own version of your Sea Dragon for myself - and having never attempted mache ever in my life - I am surprised at how well it is turning out. I am about a week into it... a couple of hours a night in the garage after job sites and paperwork (it is easy to get lost in time doing this!). Your tutoring through the blog and videos (and your book which arrived yesterday) has been very helpful indeed. It will be done in a couple of weeks and I'll e-mail you some photos.
Thank you so very much for waking up a creative spark inside of me I haven't felt in years.
Bernie
Rialto,CA
Reply to this
Hello Bernie,
Sorry, I just saw your comment. Somehow I missed it. I really appreciate you remarks. I am very happy that I could help. I love your enthusiasm. As you saw, I've been busy for a while and haven't been able to do much art. Just reading your comment makes me want to do nothing else. So thank you for your inspiration. I'm glad it is going well. Please let me know how it turns out. And, of course, let me know if you have any questions. I'm always happy to help.
Dan
Reply to this
Hi! I am an art teacher and I just found by chance your blog. After watching your vids and pictures I can't find the words to describe how amazing and inspiring your work is, even more nowadays when few people appreciate the time and effort it takes to create an unique piece. I hope you don't mind if I use your videos to show my kids the basic process and also to get them excited about starting a paper mache project. I get the whole process with paper balls, tape and wheat paste but, what is that clothe you use at the end to wrap it? Is it plaster bands, or something you make with white glue?? Thanks for sharing your ideas and projects with us, keep them coming!
Reply to this
Hello Marcela,
Sorry, I just saw your comment. I am severely flattered. Thank you so much for your nice remarks. It means a lot to me. The cloth I use is an old bed sheet, the older the better, preferably cotton. I dip it in white glue, like Elmer's. Let me know if you have other questions.
Take care and good luck.
Dan
Reply to this
Just found your blog. Amazing work!
Reply to this
Hello Trista,
Thank you for the nice comment! I'm glad you found me as well.
Keep in touch.
Dan
Reply to this
The mother dragon and baby look amazing I was fascinated by the creation process and loved the technique of the fabric draping on the paper mache. It made the wings look realistic especially in the first stages before paint, because the light was still able to shine through.
I'm also sorry to hear about your friend, I recently lost my kitty (she was my furry daughter) so I sympathise with your loss.
Reply to this
Thank you again. You are too kind. I'm sorry to hear about your cat. There is nothing harder.
Reply to this
Hi Dan, I just stumbled onto your site and I'm blown away by your amazing work! This dragon is just stunning! I've spent the last two hours glued to the videos and tutorials and even though I've never worked much with paper mache you've explained everything so well that I'm inspired to give it my best shot and make a dragon. Keep up the awesome work and I'm signing up to you blog so I won't miss any future creations. Oh and I love your sense of humor..you're hilarious! Shelly
Reply to this
Hi Shelly,
It's nice to meet you. Thank you for your nice comment. Made my day! I'm glad you enjoy the site and the videos. I'm biased of course, but I do think you'd love this medium. It's a great medium for self-expression. Limitless possibilities.
Keep in touch. Thank you again.
Dan
Reply to this
Hi Dan! Your works are amazing!
I have one question for you.
What kind of paper do you use. I'm talking about the white strips.Isn't newspaper sheets right?
the white strips of paper seems more soft than "dry paper".
and what do you use to make the scales?
Thanks for all!
And follow with your amazing projects!
Congrats from Barcelona.
Reply to this
Hi Pitu from Barcelona,
Nice to meet you. That final "skin" is not paper at all. It is white cloth (old bed sheets) dipped into white glue. I call it "cloth mache". It adds strength and detail you can't get with just paper.
Thank you for your nice remarks.
Take care
Dan
Reply to this
Hahahaha! Old bed sheets!! Ok, ok! Now I look for some old bed sheets in my parent's haouse!
I decided to make my own paper mache dragon just to see your videos.
If my paper mache dragon is acceptable I'll show you.
thanks for your quick response.
Reply to this