Paper Mache Dragon Pair-moving right along
Hello again. As you can see, I'm moving along on my dragon pair. Since they will be entwined I must add the appendages while they are together. Once I get a sense for how they fit I will separate them and build them apart. After I finish each dragon I will reassemble them and hope that they still fit nicely together (things shift as I work on them).
I add the legs...and ...then arms.
On the side I put together the rough feet and hands. You may have noticed that I quit posting how long it is taking me for each session. At the beginning of this build I swore I would keep track. But I can't hold an idea for that long, so I've since completely abandoned that idea. But I've got something close to mark time spent on this pair. I've picked up another bad habit recently. I've rediscovered these caramel apple suckers, you know the ones with caramel on the outside and apple sucker on the inside. Amazing. One of the fun things about these suckers is the surprise when you first unwrap them, seeing the ratio between the caramel and the apple sucker. Note the first row of the photo. That sucker is a severe disappointment. Front and back have little caramel. Contrast that to the bottom row. Look at the caramel on the front and the back!! Now that is hitting the sucker jackpot. When I get a sucker like that I just stop working, sit back, and just suck. So what does this have to do with time? Well, I ate three bags of these suckers (25 per bag) while assembling this dragon pair.
Here is the pair just before I separate them. I know what you're thinking...what a mass of body parts! Trust me, it will be more clear when it's finished.
Entwined dragons
I add the legs...and ...then arms.
On the side I put together the rough feet and hands. You may have noticed that I quit posting how long it is taking me for each session. At the beginning of this build I swore I would keep track. But I can't hold an idea for that long, so I've since completely abandoned that idea. But I've got something close to mark time spent on this pair. I've picked up another bad habit recently. I've rediscovered these caramel apple suckers, you know the ones with caramel on the outside and apple sucker on the inside. Amazing. One of the fun things about these suckers is the surprise when you first unwrap them, seeing the ratio between the caramel and the apple sucker. Note the first row of the photo. That sucker is a severe disappointment. Front and back have little caramel. Contrast that to the bottom row. Look at the caramel on the front and the back!! Now that is hitting the sucker jackpot. When I get a sucker like that I just stop working, sit back, and just suck. So what does this have to do with time? Well, I ate three bags of these suckers (25 per bag) while assembling this dragon pair.
Here is the pair just before I separate them. I know what you're thinking...what a mass of body parts! Trust me, it will be more clear when it's finished.
Entwined dragons
Posted by Dan the Monster-man at 7/22/2010 10:55 AM 
Categories: Paper Mache Dragon Pair
Tags: paper mache dragons nature sculpture papier mache spoons
Categories: Paper Mache Dragon Pair
Tags: paper mache dragons nature sculpture papier mache spoons
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7/28/2010 3:23 AM
恐竜の島 Blog｜恐竜模型 制作 ダイナソー・ギャラリー wrote:
凄いものを見たり聴いたりしたときは、なんだかワクワクしませんか？ 圧倒される作品...
Dan, you do realize you've eaten almost 100 suckers during the course of assembling these? That's ... impressive.
These are looking so cool! Especially since you have the skeleton of the wings put on them. I still can't wait to see what colors you're going to paint them, or what their faces are going to look like.
Exciting!
Lindsey
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Wow Lindsey,
You are fast! I'm struggling with the colors myself. I've gone back and forth several times between certain color schemes. And I don't want to have to paint these more than once. It will be a chore just getting these painted once. (And second coats become thick and take away some of the detail.) I'm glad you like them so far. I'll post the next set of photos in less than a week.
Always nice to hear from you. Summer's flying by...bummer.
see you
Dan
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The reason I respond to these so quickly is I have my email synchronized to my phone, so any time you post a blog I know about it immediately! I'm sure the painting won't be too bad!
And yeah, summer is almost over. But I didn't have much of a summer to begin with! I got a job and decided to take summer school. And I'm actually excited for my next semester because I can finally start taking art classes instead of boring generals. Whoopie!
Have a good one,
Lindsey
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Hi again Lindsey,
It's always nice to hear from you. It's still surprises me when everyone can now carry around the internet in their pocket. Sounds like you had a busy summer. I hope you do get to do some art in college. You need to feed the soul as well as the mind I think.
I'll be posting another entry tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Dan
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Can't wait to see how the colors separate the two!
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Hi Justin,
Yes, I can't wait either. Ha ha. I still haven't decided. Seriously, I'm in a terrible wrestling match with myself about these colors. I hope they turn out okay. We'll see soon.
Take care
Dan
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Hey Dan,
I am new to your site and this type of art, but i am excited to start this. I plan on building a larger sculpture, but the main problem i have is coming up with all of the newspaper for it. Where do you get newspaper by the truckloads, or at least enough to complete a sculpture?
Thanks,
Andy
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Hi Andy,
Welcome to paper mache. You are in for a treat. I subscribe to our local newspaper which gives me plenty. Maybe you could ask your neighbors to save their newspapers for you. It doesn't take as much as you think. Also, for big sculptures, after they are mached and dry, cut a hole and pull out the wads inside. You can mache them again and this will make the entire project much lighter.
When I really needed paper i used to drive up to the donation stations (not sure they have these any more) and take what I needed. I figured I was recycling every bit as much as they were.
Good luck on your venture.
Dan
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Dan and Emily,
Thank you both. I have been saving my own papers for about two weeks, but that can only go so far. So thankyou for both giving your ideas in order for me to have a good projects.
Andy
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Andy -
Do a quick google search to see if you have a local freecycle group in your area. There are usually a good number of people who take multiple papers only for the coupons, and would be willing to give away the papers!
Also, spread the word amongst your friends (if they take the papers) and your parents friends that you need papers and lots of them. You'll be surprised how many people are more than happy to have someone else take them off their hands!
Emily
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Wow, that is quite the project alright! Can hardly believe you went through that many suckers, good grief!! (and probably still counting!) I got hooked on Sweet tarts for a few years, not those tiny Halloween ones, but the big one's the size of Tums.. My teeth did suffer though..
Like all the others, it will be interesting to see how they turn out, no doubt fantastic I'm sure!
Happy sucking, but get to the dentist a little more often with that habit!! LOL..
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Hi Suz,
Nice to hear from you. Yes, I managed to ruin three crowns with my tootsie pop kick. But I've cut way back on these suckers. Replacing crowns got really expensive.
I"ll post photos a little more often with these. Thanks for checking in.
See you.,
Dan
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Looks like the dragons like the apple part.
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Hey Tudy,
Yes, I suppose they do. They can be kind of sour. I'm trying to cut back on the suckers. But they are soooo good, the best ever made. Whoever invented them is a genius....with bad teeth.
Thanks Tudy.
Dan
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Hello Mr.Reeder, I am a papier mache' artist myself and I just wanted to know what type of materials you use when you work, like the teeth of your dragons or the mache' materials you use
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Hello Michael.
Nice to meet you. I use "Fimo" for teeth and claws. There are other brands that are essentially the same. For the paper mache part I just use flour and water paste and newspaper. For my final "skin" I use cloth dipped in white glue. I call that process "cloth mache" for lack of a better term.
Do you have your work on the web anywhere? It's always nice to meet another paper mache artist.
Take care
Dan
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Hi Dan sorry i have been out the loop so long, but am back now (see my blog for quick why). The dual dragons are coming along great. Colour schemes man don't get me started. I hate painting to start with but choosing colours is as bad for me too lol.
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Hey Jonty,
Just checked your blog, and yes indeed, you have been very busy! But nothing new there. You are always busy....like me. I'm glad you like the dragon pair. I've been working on them separately lately. I hope they go back together when they are done. Things shift. Still wrestling with the colors. I will right up to the moment I start painting.
Good luck with all your stuff.
Dan
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Hi Dan! I love you work and have been inspired. I won't tell you what it is I am making yet as I seem to be getting funny looks when I tell other people. Maybe it's the 5 lbs of joint compound and 50 yards of chicken wire that's causing it? Anyhow, I will let photos speak for themselves.
One thing I did want to ask- I just love your eyes! Er...I mean the eyes you use on your dragons and cats. I am sure yours are nice, too, but where are you getting those beautiful eyes! Just magical!
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Hi Kerri,
Sounds like you are making something really cool! If it gets looks now, then just wait till you're done! Yes, I'd love photos when you are finished. Would love to put them on my site if you are interested.
I like taxidermy eyes. There are several companies, but Vandykes is the one I like the best. Just go to www.vandykestaxidermy.com.
Good luck and have fun!
Dan
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Hi, Dan . . .
It's me again. I'm wheeling around your virtual studio/classroom, and I just wanted to compliment you on your sincere helpfulness to all (like Kerri, for example) who seek your help and guidance. You clearly are a teacher/artist---and enjoy all the challenges and rewards of each of those roles.
It's fun to be here . . .
Jeni
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Yes, Brandon did a great job. He loves to promote artists like this. And he's a great guy. The hard part for me was sitting still for 10 seconds.
Dan
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hEY DAN! Love the new stuff~ I sent ya some pix of my creations I been doin love to kno wutcha think. haha btw you are the yoda of paper mache!
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Hey again Justin,
Your projects are fantastic. I'll get them on my site today. Thank you for sharing!
And I just look like Yoda.
Dan
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Looks great, Mr. Reeder. Looking very forward to seeing these two...*ahem*..."in action"
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hi! love your work. just got started in sculpting thought i'd try some paper mache. your work has a certain quality about it. i do have a question. where do you get the eyes for your projects? do you make them yourself or do you have them made? thanks
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Hey Michael,
I get my eyes from taxidermists. You can find a few online. I like Van Dykes. I think it's vandykestaxidermy.com .
Good luck.
Dan
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Thank you. Sorry, did I answer this question yet? I get most of my eyes from taxidermy stores online. You can find several if you google "taxidermy" or "glass eyes". I've used all of the companies and the eyes are nice.
Dan
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Dan, You have inspired me and I am creating a large flower-I am still having trouble with my paint cracking after I apply my 1/4 page glue/paper mixture. Should I try sanding it? Thanks, Amie
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I would add a bit of PVC glue (or Elmer's glue) to some paint and just paint into the cracks. I don't know how you would sand each petal. That would be very difficult and time consuming I think.
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