I've never used that method, but I've seen photos and read people describing it.

You say you used 'sticky tape'. I think that is like plastic tape or cellophane tape? I understand that most people who use the technique use masking tape, a tape made from paper, usually tan or beige, and often with a slight wrinkled texture. Since it is paper, there should be no problem sticking more paper to it. But I've noticed in photos that some people use an awful lot of it, and it creases and makes more lumps than is necessary. I would use as little as possible. If you need more, use shorter pieces than some show, not just going round and round to excess.

The shaping problem you've discovered is why I haven't tried it. I think you have to wad and crush the paper very well and try to eliminate all the bulging wrinkles. I think maybe softer papers work better than stiff ones.

For the padding, I think I would try smaller pieces, rather than single large ones. Fit each smaller piece and cover with a piece of tape.

Making legs with this method, I think they are often left straight, which would seem to be difficult when you're trying to make a hock or knee joint. I wonder if rolling the paper around a coathanger or other stiff wire would help?  Another method might be using cardboard rolls that other rolled materials comes on, like some wrapping papers, or fabrics, etc. Cut the roll at the angles you need, and tape firmly together.

Another issue could be applying too much glue.  I've found that brushing a fairly thin layer of glue to one side of the strip of paper works better than immersing the entire piece in a bowl of glue, like we were shown in school.  Soppy work gets too soft and takes forever to dry, IMHO.

What kind of adhesive or glue are you using? The faster it sticks, the better, as far as I'm concerned.

Sue

I think most people will admit they've tried a lot of materials and methods!

Hot glue works fine for lots of stuff, esp rigid materials like cardboard tubes and fairly stiff sheets of cardboard. I've used it with wire-wrapped wire armatures, to coat the smaller-diameter wraps and to keep it from slipping.

Some people use foam insulation board, carving or layering it, then applying PM. This isn't the beaded type styrofoam, but something that is much more easily carved (esp with a serrated knife).

Are you using the flour-based, cellulose-based or polyvinyl resin wallpaper paste? The cellulose is good, and drying time isn't bad if you don't make it too thick; about the consistency of raw egg white is good for me. I don't use flour at all, living in a humid climate.

Sue