It happens to everyone (once in a while) to want to be creative and achieve something; maybe you want to build your favorite animal, the giraffe, out of papier mache and thanks to this article you can now do it!
Steps
Step 1. Gather the materials
You first need an old newspaper or recycled paper (look for an eco-friendly solution), papier-mâché glue (you can buy or make your own) and the filling material of your choice (facial tissues, paper handkerchiefs, sheets of paper). newspaper and so on). You should also get a pair of plastic gloves.
Step 2. Start from the head
Take a sheet and roll it up to form a ball; make sure it is even and very compact, so that it does not open. Next, build a second smaller ball and tape it to the first one to make the snout. Repeat the same process for the two small ears and horns.
Step 3. Take care of the neck
Take some newspaper (or whatever material you decided to use) and shape it with your hands to form a snake, just like you would do with playdough. When the cylinder is of adequate length and thickness, secure it to the head with adhesive tape. Make sure the neck is sturdy enough to support the head, otherwise your giraffe will be "decapitated".
Step 4. Build the body
Once the head and neck are prepared, you need to make the main body part. Take another sheet and squeeze it very hard to create a rounded cylinder; it must be large enough to connect the legs and other parts of the animal. At this point, attach the neck (with the head) to the upper body with duct tape, taking care that the first is not too heavy!
Step 5. Switch to the legs
Roll four pieces of newspaper just like you did for the neck; Once ready, tape them to the body and flatten the bottom of the legs so the giraffe can stand upright.
Step 6. At this point, you can add details, such as the eyes (small balls to attach to the head), the tail and any other part of the animal
Use duct tape to secure them in place, check that the giraffe can stand up and is ready to apply glue!
Step 7. Make the sculpture tough and strong
You can complete this process using a large brush or your hands. Take the glue and spread it all over the giraffe; when finished, place the sculpture in an area where it can dry.
Step 8. Start painting it the next morning
You can color it when it's dry, although it's an optional step. If you prefer a "raw" sculpture, you can leave it as it is; however, if you decide to use paint, be prepared in advance. Look at some pictures taken from the internet or from books of real giraffes to get a precise idea of their appearance; you can choose to make a realistic sculpture or use the pink color.
Step 9. Wait for the color to dry
Store the giraffe upright overnight, do not lay it on its side to avoid damaging the paint; once dry, the creation is done! Now you can show off your beautiful paper mache giraffe.
Advice
- Learn how to make papier mache first, this way you can understand how to make the giraffe better.
- If you want to make the best giraffe possible, you have to be patient.
