How to Make Mannequin Heads
Blow up a balloon so that it is approximately the size, or a little smaller than you want your mannequin head to be., Add your base., Make your paper mache paste., Tear newspapers into 2 by 6 inch (5 by 15 cm) strips., Work outside or on a drop...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Blow up a balloon so that it is approximately the size
Fill a tin can 1/3 full of sand.
Use masking tape to affix your balloon inside the can on all sides.
Smooth down the masking tape wherever there are bumps.
The can will serve as a neck to your paper mache head. , Mix 1 part water with 1 part flour.
Most paper mache recipes suggest 2 parts water to 1 part flour.
You want your recipe to be a little bit thicker for your paper mache head, but feel free to dilute it with more water to make it easier to work with. , Tear a few larger squares and set aside. ,, Smooth it onto your balloon.
Working with 1 strip at a time, cover the entire head and can. ,,, You should have done 4 paper mache coats on your mannequin head.
Allow them to dry completely. , Affix them with masking tape.
Continue to pinch the newspapers into the shape you want. , Use a wooden spoon to press down gently and thoroughly on all tape edges. , Allow to dry. , There are a few options.
Spray your mannequin head with a light coat of spray adhesive and cover the head with fabric.
Cut off at the bottom edge of the can so that the can will stand.
Paint the mannequin with colored paint.
For light colors, make sure to do more than 1 coat.
Use spray paint for a fast application.
For a detailed painted mannequin head, use different color paints to draw features.
Take a plain or patterned nylon sock or tights.
Stretch it over the head of the mannequin head and the can.
Knot it at the back of the can.
This is the fastest way to cover your mannequin with a layer of fabric, as it does not require any drying time. , -
Step 2: or a little smaller than you want your mannequin head to be.
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Step 3: Add your base.
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Step 4: Make your paper mache paste.
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Step 5: Tear newspapers into 2 by 6 inch (5 by 15 cm) strips.
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Step 6: Work outside or on a drop cloth
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Step 7: and begin making your mannequin head.
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Step 8: Dip a newspaper strip into the thick flour and water mixture.
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Step 9: Allow the can and balloon to dry completely.
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Step 10: Cover with a second layer of newspaper strips dipped in the flour and water mixture.
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Step 11: Allow to dry and repeat 2 more times.
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Step 12: Wad larger pieces of newspaper to form the nose
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Step 13: ears and any other features you would like.
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Step 14: Smooth the masking tape very well.
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Step 15: Dip larger squares of newspaper in the flour and water mixture and smooth 1 layer over the features.
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Step 16: Cover your mannequin head.
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Step 17: Let dry and use your mannequin head to display accessories.
Detailed Guide
Fill a tin can 1/3 full of sand.
Use masking tape to affix your balloon inside the can on all sides.
Smooth down the masking tape wherever there are bumps.
The can will serve as a neck to your paper mache head. , Mix 1 part water with 1 part flour.
Most paper mache recipes suggest 2 parts water to 1 part flour.
You want your recipe to be a little bit thicker for your paper mache head, but feel free to dilute it with more water to make it easier to work with. , Tear a few larger squares and set aside. ,, Smooth it onto your balloon.
Working with 1 strip at a time, cover the entire head and can. ,,, You should have done 4 paper mache coats on your mannequin head.
Allow them to dry completely. , Affix them with masking tape.
Continue to pinch the newspapers into the shape you want. , Use a wooden spoon to press down gently and thoroughly on all tape edges. , Allow to dry. , There are a few options.
Spray your mannequin head with a light coat of spray adhesive and cover the head with fabric.
Cut off at the bottom edge of the can so that the can will stand.
Paint the mannequin with colored paint.
For light colors, make sure to do more than 1 coat.
Use spray paint for a fast application.
For a detailed painted mannequin head, use different color paints to draw features.
Take a plain or patterned nylon sock or tights.
Stretch it over the head of the mannequin head and the can.
Knot it at the back of the can.
This is the fastest way to cover your mannequin with a layer of fabric, as it does not require any drying time. ,
About the Author
Timothy Vasquez
Experienced content creator specializing in practical skills guides and tutorials.
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