Mannequins are generally used to display clothes and other garments: customizing the mannequins is very important to highlight a product among the tide of other garments on the market. Small shops, accessory stores, and decorators may not need to buy a whole mannequin, as they often only need to display hats or other accessories. It is possible to create the head of a mannequin using the artisanal methods of papier mache and decoupage. This article will show you how to make and decorate a mannequin head.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Papier-mâché Mannequin Head
Step 1. Inflate a balloon to be about the size you want the mannequin's head to be, or slightly smaller
Step 2. Add the base
Fill a can one third full of sand. Use duct tape to attach the balloon to the can, from each side. Smooth out the tape carefully. The can will form the neck of the mannequin
Step 3. Prepare the papier mache
Mix one part of water with one part of flour.
Most papier mache recipes suggest 2 parts water and 1 parts flour. For this project it is best to have the paper mache a little thicker, but still feel free to dilute the mixture as you like, so that it is also easier to work with
Step 4. Tear off strips of newspaper measuring 5 to 15 cm
Also cut a couple of larger squares and set them aside.
Step 5. Work outdoors or on a tarp
Then start preparing the mannequin's head.
Step 6. Dip a strip of newspaper into the flour and water mixture
Place it on the balloon and smooth it out. Work one strip at a time and completely cover both the head and the can.
Step 7. Let the can and balloon dry completely
Step 8. Cover the mannequin's head with a second layer of newspaper strips dipped in the flour and water mixture
Step 9. Let it dry and repeat the process 2 more times
In the end, you will have applied 4 layers of coating. Let them dry completely.
Step 10. Roll up the larger pieces of newspaper to form the nose, ears, and other facial features of your choice
Secure them to the head with duct tape. Keep working the newsprint to get the shape you want.
Step 11. Carefully smooth out the tape
Use a wooden spoon to press and gently brush all edges.
Step 12. Dip the larger squares of newspaper into the flour and water mixture, then spread them in a single layer over the mannequin's head
Let it dry.
Step 13. Cover the manikin's head
You can proceed in several ways.
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Spray the mannequin head with a light coat of adhesive spray and cover it with fabric. Stop at the bottom edge of the can so it can continue to stand upright.
Make Mannequin Heads Step 13Bullet1 -
Paint the head with colored paint. If you choose to use a light color, be sure to apply more than one layer. Use spray paint for faster application.
Make Mannequin Heads Step 13Bullet2 -
For a more realistic mannequin head, use paints of different colors and paint the facial features.
Make Mannequin Heads Step 13Bullet3 - Get a sock or nylons that are smooth or textured. Spread it over the manikin's head and the can. Tie it on the back of the can. This is the fastest way to cover the mannequin's head with a layer of fabric, as it requires no drying time.
Step 14. Let it dry and use your new mannequin head to display your accessories
Method 2 of 2: Polystyrene Mannequin Head
Step 1. Buy a styrofoam mannequin head
You will find on the market, in DIY stores, white heads that reproduce the main facial features. Most are made the right size to hold hats or headbands. However, there are also miniature versions.
Step 2. Choose a suitable type of paper to decorate the polystyrene mannequin head using decoupage
Decoupage is the art of decorating something by gluing small pieces of paper onto it. It is typically used to customize small items, boxes and furniture.
Step 3. Decorate the mannequin's head using strips of paper, such as paper strips, sheet music or magazine pages
Step 4. Tear the paper into strips of about 2-3 cm or less until you have plenty of them available
Step 5. Use a sponge brush to moisten the top of the mannequin head with decoupage glue
Arrange the pieces of paper on the damp side, making sure that they overlap and that no white spaces remain.
Step 6. Apply another layer of decoupage glue (or regular vinyl glue) over the pieces of paper, flattening all edges with the brush to form a flat, even coating
Once the glue and paper have dried, you will no longer be able to flatten the corners. It is therefore very important to take the time to flatten them right now using glue and brush.
Step 7. While continuing to moisten the styrofoam, attach the paper and spread the glue over the top, but remember to use smaller pieces of paper to cover the nose, eyes and mouth
Step 8. Stop and let the top of the manikin's head dry following the instructions on the decoupage glue package
Once dry, balance it in a sturdy bowl so you can move on to decorating the edges. Then let it dry.
Step 9. Choose a base
You can use an antique tray, wooden cutting board, or any sturdy object that allows your head to stand upright when you use it to display your accessories. Styrofoam mannequin heads are very light and unstable, so it's important to have a good foundation if you're going to use it in a shop.
Step 10. Glue the base to the head you just decorated using hot glue
Let it dry and use it as a decoration or to display your accessories!
