Arnold Grummer's Papermaking - Paper Casting 3-D Shapes

While processing pulp for casting in molds for the last project, an idea came to try and sculpt a three-dimensional shape using the left over pulp.

Experimenting with crafting material of any kind just happens to be something I enjoy doing.  It's fun to push the limits of materials and play with combining products because that's how new techniques and ideas are created in my opinion.

I used wire mesh to form a simple body base for a dragonfly.  Two sizes of wings were cut from wire mesh.  NOTE: The mesh used was Amaco WireForm Metal Mesh.

The process I used to cover the mesh forms was to dip the pieces into the pulp that is in a shallow container.  Move the mesh shapes around in the container, lift the mesh pieces from the container and press some of the water out with your fingers.  Place the mesh covered pieces onto a board covered with a towel.  Use a sponge or toweling to continue to press the water from the shapes.  This process was repeated to continue to add a coating of the pulp to each shape.  NOTE: When repeating this, do it carefully to as to not add too much water, causing the pulp to wash away.  Small amounts of pulp were lifted with a fork and placed onto the mesh shapes to continue to add layers of pulp to cover the shapes.

Dry the shapes in between the layering in a toaster oven.  Once the shapes are covered to your liking, the pieces can be painted and finished before completing the dragonfly.

The body was first painted with black paint.  A combination of other metallic colors were carefully brushed on randomly.

The wings are painted with a white pearl paint and then brushed with a light coat of Ranger Ice Stickles for a bit more sparkle.

A hole was poked through the dragonfly body to add a wire for attaching.  Two bronze beads are added for eyes.  The wings are glued together  and then glued into place on the top of the dragonfly to cover the hole made for the wire, slightly overlapping them.  Shape the wings as desired.  NOTE: The wire mesh makes them easy to shape.

I attached the dragonfly to a "found" branch that is part of a wall arrangement in my front hallway.

I am sure I will attempt this process of working with pulp in the fashion again.  It's always fun to experiment and work on perfecting a process and discover new ideas.

Give papermaking and papercasting a try!

If you haven't tried paper making or paper casting go to the Arnold Grummer website and check out the products, ideas, videos and place an order using the code: SUMMER20 when placing an order.