How to Make Papier-Mache Jaguar Heads
- 1). Create an armature for the jaguar's head using the balloon, newspaper, masking tape and cardboard. Blow up the balloon until it is the desired size for the head of the jaguar. Tape on wadded up pieces of newspaper to create the nose and jaw of the jaguar. The nose section should be applied in the front center of the balloon and the newspaper for the jaw should be placed also in the center, underneath the nose. Tape sections of cardboard on top of the head structure to form the ears.
- 2). Completely cover the armature with the masking tape.
- 3). Tear strips of newspaper into various sizes, from 1/2 inch-by-6 inches to 2 inches-by-2 inches. Do not cut the paper strips or use finished edges. The jagged edges created from tearing allow the pieces to adhere to each other better.
- 4). Pour the glue into the long shallow container.
- 5). Dip the pieces of newspaper into the glue and apply them onto the armature as quickly as possible. Overlap the sections to create a bond. Once the area is covered, apply pieces of paper that are not dipped in the glue on top of the glue-soaked pieces. Carefully rub, smooth and overlap these pieces to blend them together.
- 6). Continue dipping pieces of newspaper into glue and applying them to the head until the entire head is covered, except for a small opening in the bottom, and it is shaped correctly. Allow the papier-mâché to dry completely.
- 7). Remove the armature by popping the balloon and removing the paper and tape. Cover the hole with more papier-mâché and allow it to dry.
- 8). Paint the head with the acrylic paint to resemble a jaguar.
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