Papier-Mache Monsters: Turn Trinkets and Trash into Magnificent Monstrosities

by Dan Reeder

Overview

Celebrated monster-making master Dan Reeder is at it again—helping others to let out their inner monsters! All that’s needed are a few simple materials and a wild imagination. Reeder guarantees success if the tried-and-tested, goof-proof how-to steps in this humorous read are followed. But there’s more—he’s also giving away all of his secrets for creating ghoulish monster elements such as jaws, claws, horns, scales, webbing, tentacles, eyeballs, fingers, toes, gnarly hands and feet, and drool—yes—perfect DROOL!

Learn more secrets at papermachemonsters.com. Step-by-step instructions for creating papier-mâché monstrosities

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781423605553
Publisher:	Smith, Gibbs Publisher
Publication date:	09/01/2009
Pages:	96
Sales rank:	270,694
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	8 - 16 Years

About the Author

Dan Reeder has been building papier- and cloth mâché monsters for more than three decades. He is the author of The Simple Screamer: A Guide to the Art of Papier and Cloth Mâché, and Make Something Ugly for a Change: The Definitive Guide to Papier and Cloth Mâché. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Read an Excerpt

This section is the heart of the book. It describes in detail how to make five different kinds of papier- and cloth-mâché projects. I''ve tried to give you some variety. The Basic Monster will work for any potential monster maker. The Monster Marionette is a variation of the Basic Monster for those of you who feel that art should be functional as well as pretty. The Monster Trophy is perfect if you want something amazing over the mantel. If monsters aren''t your thing (maybe this book was a gift-someone gave it to you because you are a little "quirky" and "artistic"), and you want something a little more traditional, go for the Monster Traditional Piggy.

If you are one of those mischievous young boys who love to bug Little Sister (but you don''t want to put forth too much effort), the Monster Ugly Doll project is for you. I''ve also added a "Special Halloween Section" (p. 133) for those of you who want art pieces for that particular season.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6
What You Need to Know Before You Begin 11
Basic Projects 18
Delightful Monster Details 104
More Monsters 122
Index 143

Editorial Reviews

I first met Dan Reeder over twenty-five years ago, while strolling through an art fair in our shared hometown. I was, I remember, bored out of my mind and heading back to my car, when I suddenly caught a glimpse of something out ahead of me, hanging high in an artist's booth. My adrenalin started flowing. Boredom had morphed into pure desire. I could have knocked someone down as I made my way toward the object of my instant affection, and when I finally stood almost directly under it, I found myself gazing up at a large ochre-colored, multi-fanged, drool-festooned, wall-eyed dragon. Be still my heart. And as I looked around the booth, I saw other humorous-but-also-edgy-looking beasts. I had entered the world of Dan Reeder, and I suppose, looking back on it now, it was inevitable that we would quickly become good friends. (I think Dan and I make each other feel normal.)

Fast-forwarding to the present time, I initially thought Dan was a little crazy for writing a how-to book that reveals all his secrets on how to make such unique creatures from such un-unique materials. (Personally, I would never show anyone how to draw a cow"”the udders alone took me years to master.) But he assured me he really wanted to do this. I guess it's the teacher in him. And, in truth, I'm not one to argue that the world doesn't need more monsters, be they made of papier and/or cloth maché, as demonstrated in Dan's entertaining new book, or flesh and blood, as demonstrated by the one standing behind you right now.

(P.S. Yes, I bought the dragon.)

Farside - Gary Larson

For lovers of the truly grotesque, Reeder (Make Something Ugly for a Change) provides detailed photo instructions for large figures constructed of clothes hangers, newspaper, and glue. Cloth skin, teeth, and slathered-on paint finish them off. The toothy dragons are particularly effective.

From the Publisher

I first met Dan Reeder over twenty-five years ago, while strolling through an art fair in our shared hometown. I was, I remember, bored out of my mind and heading back to my car, when I suddenly caught a glimpse of something out ahead of me, hanging high in an artist's booth. My adrenalin started flowing. Boredom had morphed into pure desire. I could have knocked someone down as I made my way toward the object of my instant affection, and when I finally stood almost directly under it, I found myself gazing up at a large ochre-colored, multi-fanged, drool-festooned, wall-eyed dragon.
Be still my heart. And as I looked around the booth, I saw other humorous-but-also-edgy-looking beasts. I had entered the world of Dan Reeder, and I suppose, looking back on it now, it was inevitable that we would quickly become good friends. (I think Dan and I make each other feel normal.)

Fast-forwarding to the present time, I initially thought Dan was a little crazy for writing a how-to book that reveals all his secrets on how to make such unique creatures from such un-unique materials. (Personally, I would never show anyone how to draw a cow-the udders alone took me years to master.) But he assured me he really wanted to do this. I guess it's the teacher in him. And, in truth, I'm not one to argue that the world doesn't need more monsters, be they made of papier and/or cloth maché, as demonstrated in Dan's entertaining new book, or flesh and blood, as demonstrated by the one standing behind you right now.

(P.S. Yes, I bought the dragon.)

— Gary Larson, Farside Creator

Farside

For lovers of the truly grotesque, Reeder (Make Something Ugly for a Change) provides detailed photo instructions for large figures constructed of clothes hangers, newspaper, and glue. Cloth skin, teeth, and slathered-on paint finish them off. The toothy dragons are particularly effective.

— Roy Futterman, Advertising Director

School Library Journal/ Library Journal