Paper Mache and Paper Clay Flounder
Using recyclables around the house and a little paper mache you can make this one adorable Flounder from Disney.
Flounder is a wonderful addition to any family with his bright and cheerful spirit. He is also a great way to break into the Art of Paper Mache (Clay).
The Stuff List
Cardboard box
Recycled Newspaper
Paper Mache Paste
Masking Tape
Paints and Paint Brushes
Glue Gun (optional)
H20 and Rags
Music (optional)
1 Creating Your Flounder Armature
Roll newspaper into a big ball and place into a plastic bag but remember make this as large as you like. You will build flounder from this ball of newspaper by adding face features and fins.
Using newspaper let's make flounder's a nose and cheeks. Wad the newspaper into the general shape of his round nose and cheeks; cover each separate with a plastic bag and glue (tape) into place. You can refer to the video for placement of each.
To create the height on top of flounder's head stuff newspaper into a plastic bag and tape to the top of his head. Basically use newspaper to fill out his face and body until you are pleased with the outcome.
Cut fins and tail fins from cardboard or shape from newspaper. Glue or tape your pieces onto your flounder armature.
Once all your pieces are assembled then your armature is ready to cover with paper mache.
2 Paper Mache Strips and Paste
Cover the flounder armature with 3 layers of newspaper soaked in paper mache paste. Work out the air bubbles and lay flat onto your armature. You will need to turn him so the top and the bottom can dry.
Your flounder must be completely dried before adding more wet paper mache strips (see note) or paper clay, which ever you wish to use.
Use Paper mache or paper clay to finish covering your armature. The clay is a time saver but both are a wonderful medium to use for your flounders. Both recipes are on the channel; feel free to check them out.
Paper Mache Finish If you are NOT going to cover with paper clay you can cover your armature with more paper mache strips. Start by applying 3 to 4 layers of paper mache strips and let it completely dry before adding more strips. After these strips have dried continue using paper mache strips and paste to cover your flounder with at least 8 more layers. If you feel he is not sturdy enough add more paper mache and dry time.
All 8 layers does not have to be done in one setting but once you stop for the day the giant flounder must be allowed to completely dry before starting a new paper mache stripping session. Below you will find the recipes and steps.
Quick Link to Paper Mache Paste Recipe http://goo.gl/BH5lgM
Paper Clay Finish: Cover the entire flounder with 1/4 inch layer of paper clay and let that completely dry before painting. Links to the clay recipe: https://goo.gl/8igowH
If you need once the flounder has dried you can lightly sand with sandpaper and wipe off.
3. Paint Your Flounder
Paint a white coat of paint on your flounder to give you a white canvas for painting on. I used white interior flat paint as my base coat.
Once the base coat as dried paint with acrylics anyway you like. Let this completely dry.
You must seal your paper mache pieces with varnish for protection. Varnish comes in a spray can in gloss or stain, spray on 3 to 4 coats and let it dry.
Splash into Summer with Flounder
This is just one way to make a paper mache Disney flounder; hoping you have been inspired to create your own Flounder.
We would love to see photos, you can leave your suggestions and comments below.
You may also like these short how2 videos from the studio.
How to Make Nemo: http://goo.gl/DsYtPv
How to Make Mike from Monster's Inc.: http://goo.gl/DhOoYv
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