Delicious Paper Mache Big Apple
This is a marvelous creative way to memento your next trip to the Big Apple.
We have been out of the studio all week visiting the NYC YouTube Spaces and we are looking forward to sharing the adventure with you.
We have been out of the studio all week visiting the NYC YouTube Spaces and we are looking forward to sharing the adventure with you.
Please help the studio by sharing and liking our studio videos all of them.
Cardboard box
Recycled Newspaper
Paper Mache Paste
Plastic bags
Masking Tape
Paints and Paint Brushes
Glue Gun (optional)
H20 and Rags
Music (optional)
1 Creating Your Big Apple Armature (form)
Begin by crumpling up newspaper and stuffing it into a plastic bag until it is compact and full. Use masking tape to shape and form into a perfect big apple. Remember to leave a indent on top and bottom like an apple.
Some people use balloons to make their apple form but when using a balloon you the risk the balloon popping or deflating over night. So I prefer wadded up newspaper.
To make the stem we used rolled up cardboard and tape to hold its shape. We then placed the cardboard stem in the indention on top. You could use a stick or perhaps a real apple stem.
Here is an ideal you could add a worm coming out of the side or leave a bite out of the apple.
2 Paper Mache and Paper Clay
1st Session
Cover the big apple armature with 3 to 4 layers of newspaper soaked in paper mache paste. Lay your paper flat onto your apple armature and work out all air bubbles. As you continue to apply layers of paper your apple will begin to take shape before your eyes.
Once you have covered your big apple they must completely dry before adding more wet paper mache or paper clay, which ever you wish to use.
Paper Clay or Paper Mache
2nd Session
For this session of covering your apple you have two choices; paper clay or paper mache. Both mediums are wonderful and will render a perfect apple. The 2 best benefits to using the paper clay vs. paper mache is time and durability. Both recipes are on the channel; feel free to check them out.
Paper Mache: Cover with 8 to 9 more layers of paper mache all at one time. Let it completely dry before moving on to paint. If your big apple does not seem strong enough then you can add more paper mache. After each session of paper mache your armature must completely dry before moving to your next step. Quick Link to Paper Mache Paste Recipe: http://goo.gl/BH5lgM
Paper Clay: Cover the entire big apple with 1/4 inch layer of paper clay and let that completely dry before painting. Using the clay is a time saver for the studio and we love working in the handmade clay. Apply with your hands and smooth with paper mache paste. You can let your clay sit for about 4 hours or so and go back over with the paste for a smoother finish.
To carve into the paper clay we let our big apple dry overnight plus approximately 10 hours and then I began carving into the clay. I used objects such as a butter knife, spatula, and pinky finger.
Carve whatever you like into your apple, like I love NY, a teachers name, etc.
The size of your apple will determine how long it will take to dry. A large apple will take 2 to 3 days to dry. You can use a fan, sit in the sun, and place in the oven on the lowest temperature it will allow. My oven can go as low as 145 degrees, which is a perfect temperature for slowly drying your paper clay. If you heat your clay to fast it can cook and turn dark brown.
Paper Clay Recipe: http://goo.gl/xoTFbJ
Question: Can I skip the paper mache and put paper clay directly onto my armature?
Answer: Yes, if your armature can support the weight of the paper clay without the support of the paper mache strips and paste.
If you need once the big apple has dried you can lightly sand with sandpaper and wipe off before painting.
3. Carving the Big Apple
Cover your big apple with the paper clay and let the clay sit to dry for 8 hours and begin carving out the letters and heart. You can smooth the edges of the newly carved apple with paper mache paste using your pinky finger.
If you are covering your big apple with paper mache paste and newspaper then I suggest that you create raised letters with the dough clay or paper pulp. Or you can simply paint on I love NY.
Creative's your apples would look great painted with your favorite teacher in mind. You can get a great pen have everyone in class sign it and present her/him with their own big apple award.
4. Paint the Big Apple
The paper clay absorbs the paint like no other medium so we recommend that you always paint a primer coat of white flat house paint onto your paper clay or paper mache. It usually takes 3 to 4 coats of primer which will also give you a smoother surface for painting.
Once the primer coating has dried we use acrylics to add color to our sculptures. Guys paint the super cool apples anyway you like and let your acrylics completely dry.
5. Varnish the Big Apple
You must seal your paper mache pieces with varnish for protection. Varnish comes in a spray can which you can spray on, it will take 3 to 4 coats of spray. You can also buy varnish in a paint bucket in gloss or stain, brush on 3 to 4 coats and let it dry. It would not hurt to read the directions on the varnish.
On our most prized sculptures we always brush the varnish on, in my opinion it always looks more absorbs better and looks sharper.
Summary
We so enjoyed sharing one approach to creating a I Love NY big apple.
I hope you have been inspired to create your own Big Apple and we would love to see photos, which you can post to our facebook page.
Thank you for stopping by the studio, have a great weekend.
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