From: "William Hennes" <williamhennes-AT-charter.net>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2007 22:26:14 -0800
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Paper Mache Strips


I must admit I have not created anything with paper mache in a long time.  I 
jumped right into the latex, silicone, foam latex, etc...  But seeing your 
art and craft Mathieu, has given me inspiration to try it.

William


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mathieu René" <creaturiste-AT-magma.ca>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 8:02 PM
Subject: [Puptcrit] Paper Mache Strips


> Hi all.
>
> It's been a while since I tried to push my second agenda (first is 
> spreading puppetmaking), paper mache strips, onto the group.
>
> Well, I've got news for ya: not many supplies are as amazing, versatile, 
> as strong and as lightweight as paper mache strips, when they are well 
> done. How many of those toxic expensive supplies are able when made into a 
> puppet head, to withstand without dammage, being thrown violently agaisnt 
> a concrete wall?
> I'll admit that this is not the usual use of puppets anyway, but is it not 
> reassuring to know that your puppets will last a very long time, and 
> withsand lots of accidents before they have to be repaired?
>
> I used to hate paper mache in any form: too lumpy, too hard to control, 
> too much warping, and WAY too fragile.
> Well, I solved all these problems in a few years of research, both online, 
> in books, and of course by trying lots of things. I improve my method on 
> average every three months. I can'te ven start to imagine how much 
> stronger and refined my creations will be in  a year! Now that I use 
> negative molds, I can have a smoothness I never even knew was possible 
> with paper strips.
>
> If anybody has questions,or need pointers about paper mache strips, start 
> asking questions.
>
> I'd love to start talking about it again on Puptcrit, and see what others 
> have come up with.
>
> To start, here are the basic principles for a real strong and durable 
> paper mache strip project:
> -better paper: stronger but thinner, very soft when crumpled, even more so 
> when moistened. (ex: 30lbs Kraft)
> -better glue: good quality white glue. Slightly dilute with water, to 
> allow it to penetrate the paper.
> -using less glue (too much makes it brittle, lumpy, and the surface may be 
> uneven due to shrinkage).
> -Using less water (excess moisture causes warping and shrinking)
> -press each layer down carefully, using fingers, then a hard smooth tool
> -more layers (I usually do about 5 to 8 layers, depending on what the 
> object will have to live through).
> -bouncy result (if it flexes a bit, it will absorb the shock instead of 
> breaking).
>
>
> That Polichinelle glove puppet I'm still working on will be too strong for 
> humanity's own good. Such a rascal, to be so though headed, I can smell 
> troubles!
>
> I tend to make my creations stronger than they need to be. I've had this 
> "condition" ever since that time I accidentally stepped on my first 
> complete hand puppet (Gregor, the reformed devil) and its ear broke off.
> It was made of Celluclay pressed into a mold I had made of plaster.
> I just added a bit of white glue on the edges and held with masking tape 
> until strong again. It lasted for the remainder of my trip, and once home 
> I repaired with more celluclay.
>
> My snack time is over, I gotta get back to the PM strip applying session.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
> Admin interface: 
> http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
> Archives: http://www.driftline.org 

_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
Archives: http://www.driftline.org