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hi everyone
last night I started my first paper mache project 
What I intend to make is a psychedelic chicken head which can be suspended from above
Ive started but need some help to get me finished asap - I need it for the T in the park festival (starts saturday)
What I have done so far is...
inflated an old beach ball that I had in the shed
mad a cone shape from cardboard for the 'beak'
tied string around the ball and beak keeping it sturdy and tight using sellotape
covered it in 1 layer of paper mache strips (I used newspaper brushed down with whiteglue/water paste)
I hung it by the inflator nozzle which I kept unpapered in case it went down overnight.
This morning I checked on it and its dried and looks great
this is where you may be able to give me some advice....
Can I paint this now or should I do more layers?
What paints would you reccomend me to use?
is there a quick way to make it waterproof?
have I missed anything?
thanks for reading this and for any advice you can give me
I love paper mache
Philbo
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With just one layer of newspaper, it's going to be awfully fragile. If it's bumped even slightly, it's going to dent. I would use a minimum of 3 layers.
Acrylic paints are inexpensive and easy to find.
You can spray the whole thing with polyurethane (or apply with a brush), or use varnish. Consider whether you want a glossy finish or a matte one.
Sue
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It was a success!
lasted till the very last act of the night (The Who) and even then only went the distance because I ripped it from the bamboo cane and threw it into the crowd as a token of my appreciation for The Who and the whold event (T in the park is amazing)
It managed to survive plenty swipes, snatches and punches. I used 2 layers in the end - next time I'm going to try 9 layers and make it earlier
I used clear varnish which seemed to do the job waterproofing it although after 2 days of rain and activity cracks finally started appearing (drips were also showing up in places but I think thats to do with how thick I was applying the varnish)
It made it onto telly quite a few times apparantly (was receiveing texts from fellow friends around the country)
Saw it on Top of the pops last night when Goldfrapp were playing
I will get you some pictures of my creation too
Proof that paper mache truly does ROCK!!!
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