Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Paper Mache Doll, The Head

Okay, I have to say, I've never worked with paper mache before. I have seen really beautiful dolls made from this media, I've seen a lot dipped in wax, I made the pledge to attempt this kind one day...well, the day has come. My materials are crude but they were crude in the 1800's also. The glue sticks are in place to aid in holes for the breast plate. (to be stitched to the body) I did research on paper mache dolls and the information indicated to use natural material for the head AND I had started with a pine cone. (the book suggested wool roving or straw, I have neither.) I figured the air pockets would allow my piece to dry quicker. Well, madame involved herself again, she reminded me they did a globe in third grade to which they used a balloon then popped it when the project was done. Genius girl I tell ya!


The drying and humidity is a concern of mine, information on the Internet recommended substituting the traditional flour mix with wallpaper glue due to eventual molding from a moist atmosphere. Zinsser is what we used on the house, good product.



Except I mixed it to thick forgetting it needed 10 minutes to set up. Forget it, I had my paste, just stir quickly to avoid lumps.




A stiff brush to wet each layer and work the folds together, I guess. Sounds good.




My first layer. I found it to be very difficult and hoped that from what I read it would become easier, after all....this is sanded. The liter soda bottle made the perfect holder and I wanted a doll about that scale.



By the second layer, I'd added stuffing in strategic places to build my profile and hair.




The third layer produced a bun and tissue added to the face, my hope was to fill little lines and cracks. More on the chin and cheeks to round out the appearance.





Enough for the first day. C&G Design




8 comments:

Kathleen said...

Looks good so far. You seem to be achieving the look you want. I can tell it is a woman's head. I can't wait to see the finished project. Cold again, 13 below zero. Maybe today, I'll get something started. Hugs

tina said...

That is quite a bit for one day.

Hello Kathleen!

Jean Merriman said...

Looks like a pretty big project to me and now I got to wait for another day. Does this mean we miss the redheads tomorrow?

Warmed up here...stayed about 15 above here. They say snow tomorrow, 8 to 12 inches. I read in last week's Calais paper that they got over 20 inches in one storm, most in a storm since 1970.
We don't seem to have too much global warming in Maine this winter.

Skeeter said...

I can see a woman’s head already forming! You are so crafty Dawn! Yep, we used balloons in school for our piñata.

Jean, Global Warming, you crack me up... lol....

Stay Warm!

Dawn said...

Hi Kathleen, thanks. I did do what I thought would be a old fashioned pattern but it came out modern! Argh! Are you ready for the snow? Madame had canceled piano class but we went out just the same. I know the storm will keep me in and tied to the phone.
Tina, yes it is, I got impatient and pushed it.
Mom, nope, redheads tomorrow and always.
Skeeter, How do you keep up with Tina's blog comments? Exhausted me today. Course I did about 50 invoice for the business too, all computered out!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I'm enjoying you making this. I'll stay tuned. It's very brave of you.

The Muse said...

great!! LOL :) so funny...i am actually working on a life size bust in paper mache...

too cool!

Rozani said...

Hello.

It's looking very nice. Looking forward to the finishing touches.

Rozani from Enterprise, AL