Dinosaur
Paper maché animal, 9" x 7" x 7"
Up on the Porch Roof, Portland, Maine
I started this project with my son at an evening class held at the Maine Jewish Museum in Portland. We did the basic form work and the first couple of layers of paper maché at the class; it was finished at home. This piece got me once again interested in paper maché, a craft I had worked with while in college back in the late 1980's (I wonder what ever happened to all that work?).
This animal has a wire frame, covered in newspaper held in place with masking tape. The wire is great because it allows you to adjust the form as you go, making the arms, legs, tail, and head achieve whatever action or stance you desire. I especially like this flexibility because it allows you to create as you make, and not be tied into some initial idea.
There are 2 or 3 coats of paper maché, done using a 50/50 mix of warm water and flour. The color is achieved by using Modge Podge to adhere squares of variously color tissue paper, here greens and blues. I like to cut the tissue into squares rather than rip it because it gives it a more intentional look. Once the tissue paper layer is complete, a couple more coats of Modge Podge protects the creation and adds a bit of shine.