Splashy the Whale

Splashy started as many papier mache' project, with a balloon. I started with papier mache's about 2 or 3 years ago and just love the whole process. It can be super challenging and easy, depending on what part you're working on. I figured I would share with you my process, in case you are interested in trying it for yourself. 

Although there are no pictures of the original shape, it was a balloon that I extended with paper board and tape to create the whale shape. For the tail, I took 2 pieces of paper board and cut out the shape of the tail. I then taped the edges and stuffed the center to give it a little more of a 3 dimensional shape. Once I was finished with the shape, I made the papier mache' recipe and covered the entire thing twice. That gave me a nice firm shape that could take the weight of what was to come next. 

My recipe for Papier mache':
Flour
Modge Podge (or white glue)
Newspaper (or other lightweight paper, like newsprint)
Water
Salt

I have no measuring specs, except I put in at least equal parts water to glue. The rest depends on what I am using it for. I want it nice and thick for large areas, but it needs to be a bit more thin for the smaller parts. I usually go for a consistency of heavy cream. And don't forget to add the salt. Apparently it keeps your piece from molding. 

​Once your piece has dried for a day or two with the papier mache', it's time to add the outer coating. I use this product: USG Sheetrock All Purpose Joint Compound. (pictured left). I have used both the regular and the lightweight and both work fine. It is suggested that you do not use DAP brand for some reason. 

A few things about this product from experience:

• It can go on in layers that are 1/8 of on inch, anything more and you will get cracking.
  
• It sticks to itself, so layering is easy.
  
• It is easily sanded.
  
• It has a consistency like frosting, so it's not something you can roll in a ball.
  
• You can buy it in these smaller packages or in 5 gal drums. If you have the storage space, the larger bucket is the most economical.
  

Once you coat it with the joint compound, it will look like this (picture right). You'll want to add at least another layer, so that your piece is strong.

Then sand your piece to make it smooth. You'll probably need to do some filling or fix anything that you don't like in order to make yourself happy with it.  Once you sand it, it will look more like the photos below.

Once your texture is good, you can finish with paint. 

I start with gesso and give it a nice complete coat. Then I finish with colored acrylics and a final clear coat. 

For this project, I started with the white gesso, which gives it a nice solid undercoat. Then I painted the top with a nice mid blue. Once that completely dried, I covered that with a payne's grey wash, so that it got into the texture. The wash is just a watered down version, so that it wipes away easier. (1 part paint to 2 parts water. for the wash)

I wanted the final to look a little bruised up like whales look, so I did not make the texture ultra smooth.

Once the grey wash dried, I went over the whole thing with a white drybrush. Which I thought would be the last coat, but it looked crazy, so I went over it again with the blue and I got the color I wanted.

To top that off, I bought the liquitex professional matte gel and it was perfect!  The final product is below. I am very happy with it and now it's time to get it sold. 

I hope part of my process helps yours :)

"Splashy" is available at the Strawbridge Art League or you can purchase here.