Arts & Crafts Magazine

New Paper Mache Dragon- Teeth, Claws,fingers, and Toes

By Danmonsterman @danmonsterman
These small steps in between the big steps are very important.   They aren't very creative or very satisfying, but how well they turn out makes a big difference in the final dragon.   So even though they aren't exciting, I'll show them to you anyway.
First task:  Making claws and teeth.
New Paper Mache Dragon- teeth, claws,fingers, and toes  New Paper Mache Dragon- teeth, claws,fingers, and toes
I like Fimo for claws and teeth.   There isn't much difference between a tooth and a claw.   They are both pointed and slightly rounded.   The only difference is in the size.
New Paper Mache Dragon- teeth, claws,fingers, and toes
I love it when they come out of the oven.  Note the brown tinge, perfect for dragon claws and teeth.
Next I'll make the basic "fingers" for my wings and the toes.
New Paper Mache Dragon- teeth, claws,fingers, and toes  New Paper Mache Dragon- teeth, claws,fingers, and toes
For this I use wire clothes hangers, masking tape, and a phone book.   I cut the hangers to size.
New Paper Mache Dragon- teeth, claws,fingers, and toes  New Paper Mache Dragon- teeth, claws,fingers, and toes
I really like the way phone book paper compresses allowing for a tight taper.  I twist the paper around the wire and tape.   I have some tricks for this kind of thing.  It would take too long to explain them here.   I have lots of these tricks and hints in my book (shameless plug).  I also make two, thin, tapered pieces for the tongue.  I add tape to the back and add a few wrinkles. 
New Paper Mache Dragon- teeth, claws,fingers, and toes
I "cloth mache" the long fingers for the wings in advance.   It makes them very strong.  They need to be strong to hold the weight of the large, wet cloth pieces I use for draping the wings.   I'll show you that next post.
Thanks for stopping by.  See you next time.

Back to Featured Articles on Logo Paperblog

Magazines