Lovable Paper Mache Snowman Sam

Finished cover shot of Snowman Sam from Rudolph

We will show you how to wade up newspaper into a ball and transform it into Rudolph's Snowman Sam with his cool bowler green hat.

This paper mache project is super easy and great for someone wanting to learn the versatile art of paper mache. Sam characteristics such as small eyes, gray tipped mustache and beard will be easy to recreate.

Link to how to YouTube video: https://youtu.be/k9nxEFZg_BE

Quick List

Recycled Newspaper

Masking Tape

Cardboard

Paper Mache Paste

Paints and Paint Brushes
Varnish

H²0 and Rags

Steps to Make Your Big Sam

1 Build Your Armature

Create each part to your armature and glue or tape into place.

Head

Begin by wading up recycle newspaper into a small round ball for Sam's head, and slide the ball of paper into a plastic bag.

Using masking tape to shape your bag and hold into place.

Nose

Wade up newspaper and shape with masking tape into a small ball for Sam's cute nose.

Eyebrows

Cut cardboard into two arrow head shapes. Wade up newspaper and place on top of the arrow head eyebrow for a 3D effect.

Mustache and Beard

Cut a beard and mustache from cardboard to glue under the his nose.

Hat

Begin by wading up recycle newspaper into a small round ball for the top of the hat, twist newspaper for the rim of the hat and glue around the ball to create his bowler hat.

Slide the hat armature into a plastic bag. Using masking tape to shape your bag and hold into place.

Place your hat on top of your Sam's head then glue and tape into place.

2. Paper Mache Sam

1st Session

Cover the Snowman Sam armature with 3 to 4 layers of newspaper soaked in paper mache paste. Lay your paper flat onto your Sam armature and work out all air bubbles. As you continue to apply layers of paper your Sam will begin to take shape before your eyes.

Once you have covered Sam with paper mache he must completely dry before adding more wet paper mache.

2nd Session

Paper Mache: Cover with 4 to 5 more layers of paper mache all at one time. Let it completely dry before moving on to paint.

If Sam does not seem strong enough then you can add more paper mache paste and paper but after each session of paper mache your Sam must completely dry. The size of your Sam will determine how long it will take to dry.

Quick Link to Paper Mache Paste Recipe: http://goo.gl/BH5lgM

If you need once the snowman Sam has dried you can lightly sand with sandpaper and wipe off before painting.

3. Paint Snowman Sam

Paint a white coat of primer paint onto Snowman Sam to give a white canvas for painting. We use white flat interior house paint to prime our sculptures.

Once the base coat as dried we paint with a layer of acrylic paints. Sam has distinctive small black oval shaped eyes, round nose, grey tipped beard, and his cool green hat.

Let all you painting completely dry before sealing with varnish.

4. Varnish and Protect

You must seal your paper mache pieces with varnish for protection. Varnish comes in a can in gloss or stain to apply with a brush or spray can, apply 3 to 4 coats and let it dry.

Follow the instructions on your varnish to apply. We use Polycrylic Minwax at the studio to seal all our paper mache art.

5. Hanger and Ribbon

Add a hanger attachment for a ribbon and hang onto your Christmas tree.