Paper Mache Monster

Do you need a creature to display for Halloween? Are you just wanted to make a cute and cuddle creature? You can make any creature, monster, or alien using this method. The only limit is your imagination. I have used this method to create creatures large and small. You can create simple or complex monsters. Add any embellishments you want to give your creature some pizazz.

• Lots of newspaper – You will need some to cover your workspace, create your monster and to Paper mache with.
• Masking Tape
• Glue – You can ½ Elmer’s Glue and water. I use art paste.
• Plaster Gauze – (optional) I use this to create strong monsters.
• Wire – (optional)
• Paper for drawing
• Primer
• Paint Brushes
• Paints
• Cardboard (options)
• Anything you want to add to make your creature “pop”. Feathers, yarn, fabrics, pom-poms, etc.

On a piece of paper I sketch out my monster. I usually begin with simple forms and then modify those form and add details to create my monster.

• You will need to tightly crumple newspaper and tape it to into the forms that you created while drawing your monster.
• You only need to use enough tape to keep each form together. I try to build a majority of my forms first and then connect them all. I always start with the body and get the size that I want first. Then I work on the legs to get my monster to stand or sit.
• I also complete the forms for the arms and head.

• I use the “X” method to attach each form together.
• You will need a strips of tape that will span the distance from one form to another. Attach the first strip by pulling it tightly from one form to another, but not so tight that changes either of the forms. If there is an indention between the forms make sure your tape follows that indention and doesn’t just stretch over it (this will cause a hole or gap in your project).
• Lay a second piece of tape in the opposite directions creating an “X”. Make sure that the center of the “X” is where the two forms meet.
• If you place an “X” on one side you will need to do the same on the opposite to counter the pull from the original side making your forms’ attachment more stable.

• Next, complete your build by adding important details such as eyelids, mouths, horns, etc.
• I use a method that I call the decorative rope.

• Take a half sheet of newspaper and twist it tightly (not so tight that it rips, but tight enough to be about roughly 1/2 inch thick). Tape this rope tightly so it doesn't come loose. Now, bend, twist, and/or crumple this “rope” into the shape you need. Using masking tape and the “X” method, tape it onto the area that you would like to add that detail.

• When you have completed the build, look over your work for any gaps that might need to be filled. Fill with newspaper and tape the gap shut.

• To paper mache my monsters, I use Elmer's Paper Mache Art Paste, but any paper mache paste will do (yes even homemade paste).
• Also, you will need a lot of torn paper strips (roughly 2.5 -3 inches x 5-6 inches.
• I always start on the bottom of my sculptures and work my way up.
• Dip a strip of paper into the paste.
• Using your fingers like scissors, slowly pull the strip through your fingers removing any excess glue. The paper strip should be damp, but not dripping wet.
• Place the strip on to the sculpture and "massage" into place, removing any air bubbles.
• Repeat these steps, making sure you slightly overlap each strip of paper.
• Continue this process until the sculpture is covered completely (I would recommend at least 2 layers, allowing each layer to dry).

• I prime my monsters first so that all the text and images of the newspaper are covered. This layer or two of primer helps harden your project as well.
• I use a wide variety of acrylic paints to paint my monsters.
• When your monster has dried completely you can start adding any of your final details like feathers, yarn, hot glue veins or moles, etc.