I loved the 3-dimensional basset hound and the life-sized baby elephant!
This book is written by one of those authors who has actually made the pieces, knows her materials, and tells you what you need to know. It's like having a friendly instructor right beside you, showing you what to do, giving you handy tips, and explaining it all in regular conversational English. There's no puzzling over what the author means because she used a two-dollar word when a nickel one would do.
She discusses papers, cardboards, adhesives, tools, armatures, decorative media and materials so you understand it instantly.
Strip methods and pulp methods are both explained, and she gives handy tips for such things as sealing cardboard so it doesn't get soggy, a way to accelerate drying, filling small gaps with spackling paste (`Polyfilla' across the pond), applying a primer (the British `emulsion' is the same as the American latex or acrylic wall paint), and all kinds of decorative methods.
This book is especially good if you're new to papier mache, or renewing an old interest in it. It gets you over that `hump' where you're hesitating about actually getting started. By the time you're finished with this book, you will be full of ideas and you won't be afraid to just dive in and GO.
Papier Mache Art & Design isn't going to tell you how to make museum pieces, but it gives you a pretty solid basis on how to do practically anything you would want to make. It's a springboard for your own creativity, and if your work ends up in museums or galleries, well, that's okay, isn't it?
This book has completely inspired me. I can't believe how versatile paper mache can be. Some beautiful items (and some crazy ones - the Pride & Prejudice diorama is awe inspiring!). I'm not sure what made me buy this book (I'm more of a painter) but I can't wait to try out some of the ideas. Love the recycling aspect too. I'm well pleased.
Papier Mache Art and Design is a delightful book, both for its treatment of paper mache as an art form, and the fantastic projects inside. You'll be amazed at the detail and subject matter of the pieces in the book. This book is great for novices and professional artists alike!
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