Dragon Wing Whimsy Paper Mache Sculpture

Welcome to my brief tutorial on making paper mache dragon wings. Recently, I have experimented with wing shapes for my dragon sculpture.  Making dragon wings using this simple method has been lots of fun. There is minimal effort involved because I have been able to sculpt shapes easily without the use of a wire armature.

Wing making can be fun and whimsical.The sky is the limit for themes ranging from Fairies to Dragons! These same steps can apply to many projects.Though I have free- handed my wing sketch, you could trace any design.

I hope the following information will be helpful.  Please feel free to ask questions in the "Comment" section.

DRAGON  WINGS:

Supplies:

Paper, pen or pencil, scissors, Sta Flo liquid starch.
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I start with an original sketch on a piece of paper.  Cut it out.  Any type of newsprint, copier paper or even card stock will do.  These should be cut out in duplicate.  I am only showing one for demonstration purposes.

Process:

I apply one layer of paper strips that have been torn and  lightly dipped into liquid starch.  I continue to follow the outline of the wing by adding twisted paper strands as structural support at wing points and upper inside curve, as well as upper wing curve and tab (where it attaches).

The strands are covered using the paper strip process.  Repeat this process until the wing is entirely covered by one layer of these overlapping strips.

 

Further images and applications can be found at the following link:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/190254494

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Note:  Repeat this process  with the other wing.  Allow to
dry. Paint in your choice of colors.

Fairy wings can similarly be constructed but with different design variations that are not as harsh.

Fairy Shape Sculpt WIP

Welcome to the continuing preparation of a lady figure.  Once the main shapes are connected, the detailing can vary. The forms can be pressed into smaller, thinner shapes.  Also, they can be trimmed or filled in, sculpted over, etc. It's up to your imagination to transform the shapes.

I've decided to give this lady a fairy look. The arms and torso are shaping up, as well as the hair.  Here's my work in progress.

Gradually, I've begun adding twisted strands of paper for the hair, as well as torn paper pieces to the skirt.  The torso takes shape gradually with pieces of pressed craft tissue paper.  The paper is dipped in liquid starch each step of the way.

Next, I'm adding wings to achieve a fairy look.  I have also continued to improve the torso and arms.

This work in progress will continue with layering of paper and other additions if necessary.  Please stay tuned and let me know if you will give this a try.

Fairy Shape Prep

Welcome to the continuation of this paper shape sculpt.  The shapes will be used for two (2) distinct projects. Therefore, today's preparation  will utilize only the previously shown cone shape in addition to the following:

Wedge - Torso shape.

Elongated - Thin twists for arms.

Small Ball -  Head for attaching to torso.


Figurine:  All of the shapes mentioned will be connected to create a basic armature for a lady shaped figurine.  To recap, these include a cone, ball, wedge and elongated pieces of paper.

Tip - Moisten paper with liquid starch to shape more easily.

Note:  These shapes will be enhanced later.  Please also note that we will use a smaller head for the purpose of attaching to this torso.

Now, the pieces are ready to start taking shape.  It's time to connect the pieces as follows:

1.  Torso to Skirt - Attach with masking tape.
2.  Arms to Torso - Attach with masking tape, one on each side.
3.  Head to Torso - Cover with paper and twist to create a neck.  Test excess paper.  Attach neck to torso with masking tape.

This form will be the basic figure shape.  Stay tuned for finishing touches, as well as preparation for the second project.

Fairy Project Prep

Welcome paper mache' enthusiasts and beginner sculptors, alike.

This year (2014) begins with preparations for seasonal sculpted pieces. That is, choosing the right paper/paper products used for each paper mache' creation.  So let's take a look at the shapes of things to come.

My season begins with recycling magazines and paper backed books, as well as newspaper, flyers and gift wrapping tissue paper.  These items will be used to create forms and/or armature for each project.  These include, but are not limited to fairies, fantasy creatures and other works of whimsy .

Magazines - Folded pages into cone shapes.  Applied to fairy/art doll skirts.

Scrap Paper - Pressed into round shapes.  Begins head  form.


Please check back to learn about these works in progress.