Papier-Mache Snowball in Create & Decorate January/February 2012

~image used with permission of Create & Decorate, January/February 2012

and Sean O'Brien Photography~

If you're looking for a new papier-mache project, be sure to check out the latest issue of Create & Decorate, which features my papier-mache snowball on page 44.

For this project, I used Celluclay from Activa Products. I also used Americana acrylic paints by DecoArt, American Painter brushes by Loew-Cornell, Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue®, and STYROFOAM brand foam by The Dow Chemical Company.

Shabby Chic/Cottage Wall Adornments on Etsy

I just listed these new shabby chic/cottage wall adornments on Etsy. After taking Lynn's polymer clay class on Sunday, it inspired me to finish the beads used for these two adornments.

These adornments are perfect for that sorely-needed spring pick-me-up. I don't know about you, but the snow's starting to get on my nerves. Hang these one-of-a-kind pieces on your wall, or use them as ornaments.

I used Celluclay paper mache to construct each heart. Celluclay produces an old-world paper mache texture; whereas, the Paperclay (used for the beads) results in a smoother texture. I like both textures, so I decided to incorporate both paper mache products into these pieces.

Here's a closeup of the beads and parts of the hearts. This will give you a better idea about the differences in textures.

I've read where some artists use Paperclay over the Celluclay after it's dried. I've never tried that technique yet. If you have any thoughts on it, drop me a line.

Little Gordy

 

Little Gordy is my latest one-of-a-kind paper mache creation. Little Gordy has a big brother, Big Gordy, who is currently being reviewed by a magazine for possible publication. So, we'll have to keep Big Gordy under wraps for now.

 

In the past, I designed hand-painted wedding runners that featured lots of swirly, Art Nouveau-inspired designs. When you're talking about wedding runners, you have a lot of surface to cover, and I had absolutely no problem taking my designs all the way from start to finish. Since these types of designs come naturally to me, I've decided to use them in my paper mache creations. Although inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, all of my swirly designs are my original creations.

 

Here's another shot of this handsome, little devil.