Making Monsters

This project all started on Anzac Day (a public holiday here in Australia on April 25).  The boys bounced out of bed saying they wanted to make something out of paper mache.  We'd been talking about it while up north at the caravan at Easter but I'd never done it before so needed some help.


They 'Googled' the idea and came up with something a little more complicated than Tim and I had in mind!  Not only has it been an interesting ride creatively but it's taught the boys PATIENCE.  This is so not a weekend make, it takes weeks but every step of the ride is fulfilling.  


They found this youtube video from DanMonsterMan.  We then found some instructional videos on Dan's blog, Gourmet Paper Mache.  These are incomplete but they certainly got us started.  


Here is how we did it, nowhere near as professional as Dan's insane creations but the boys love their Monsters.  We're now trying to work out how to hang them from their bedrooms without damaging them?!  Any ideas?


Hope you have a relaxing weekend.  Px

Making the paper mache balls that will become the Monsters body.
Simple formula of plain flour and water and using one piece of newspaper at a time

Baz was very curious and I think he thought the whole set up was for him

Paper mache limbs drying

After a couple of weeks drying the balls were ready to cut

Then masking taped together

Fimo was used to make teeth and horns

Parent assisted.  Holes were cut to insert the limbs
(which were made with coat hanger wire)

Taking shape

Weeks later.  The next stage, cloth mache.  This is Dan's trademark.
Using old cotton sheets (cut into thin strips) and Elmer's glue the whole body is wrapped

The eyes they used were from my vintage marble collection (I could part with 4)

Drying in front of the heater

Weeks later...  Last weekend the painting process.
The boys took ages to decide on their colours

Stage 1 of the painting is complete

Hours later...  Stage 2 of the painting.  Second colour (Luke did three)

Stage 3 (and final painting stage).  Black washing.  Diluted black paint is wiped on then off.
This really made the monsters come to life

The big reveal!  We'd put masking tape on their teeth to protect them during the painting

Monsters complete!

The boys Monsters are now on Dan's blog.  You can see them here.

Work Space Facelift...

I spent another few hours yesterday updating my mood board and sorting through flotsam and things I love in my little work space.  We live in a fibro and weatherboard cottage (shack) and we've created a play area underneath for the boys.  My work space is attached.  And it's just perfect for me...

I was inspired by Sophie's (Her Library Adventures) post, 'Eclectic Living... Workspaces'.  I love and visit her blog often.  Thanks for the motivation Sophie!  I'm now about to share my space (even though it's nothing on the spaces in your post here).

I now have to stop procrastinating and start creating! 

I hope you're having a lovely weekend.  What are you up to?  I can't believe how wonderful our days have been here in Sydney.  We are lucky.  Px

I've filled jars with favourites and re-organised to make sense of chaos

My Mood Board has been updated too

The boys play area is to the right

My all time favourite crazy find.  See post here

Little jars of dried out paint.  I adore them.
Luke's teacher gave them to him last year (he saved them from the bin).  

Banksia section to the right.  Banksia postcard from Cloth Fabric

One of five faces illustrated for me when we lived in New York (2007-2009) by the insanely amazing, Brook Meinhardt

Me as a Flotsam

My Mood Board in all its glory

Instagram photos within my Mood Board

Gorgeous face

Favourite fresh faces.  All magazine tear sheets from either (Australian) Harper's Bazaar,
Marie-Claire, Vogue or Madison