Papier-Mache Monsters: Turn Trinkets and Trash into Magnificent Monstrosities Paperback – September 1, 2009

I've seen some of the author's work floating around on YouTube and the internet so I decided to look into his methods. It's true you can find much of this information online from the author himself or others who have been inspired to take up non-clay based mache for something more than the average 3rd grade project. Paper mache isn't rocket science. It's been around for a long time and been used for a lot of things. I already knew 90% of what was in this book.I'm still not unhappy with the full price.1.) The book is entertaining. I shared a few snippets over Skype with a non-artistic friend so she could laugh, too.2.) This is the in depth complete tutorials from someone who knows exactly what works and doesn't for building large, professional grade paper mache models. There are at least a half dozen different recipes out there for paste. He gives his recipe and walks the reader step by step through the exact supplies needed, how to use them, where he draws inspiration, and simple to understand photo and text instructions.Some of the supplies are moderately expensive if you want to get into the advanced techniques like drool. Considering how much art supplies on the whole cost, this is one of the more inexpensive hobbies. Compared to canvases and student grade oil paints, the price of a quart of resin is cheap.If you can't get some of the supplies, use common sense and an internet search. I don't have access to a huge heap of wire coat hangers. I went to a hardware store and bought a roll of cheap, stiff wire which is about the same gauge. If you can't get old bed sheets, check for cheap remnants of a craft or fabric store. You can also buy a few yards of bleached muslin.He doesn't go into alternate supplies but if you're an adult crafter or artist you shouldn't have any trouble.3.) A variety of different projects. This covers the dragon trophies he's probably best known for but, starts with a full body monster, marionette and a recreated plastic doll.4.) All of his expertise in one place. Digging through YouTube channels, reading debates on the best paste recipe, hearing how other people build up armatures and make sculptures from junk in the recycle bin can be rewarding. It's also time consuming. I've got the book to pick up any time I need it to reference something quickly, now.5.) I'm glad to support the artist. He's been doing this for a really long time. There are many years of experience behind the information in this book. Knowledge came from trial and error. I'm paying $3 to benefit from his experience so I don't have to start from scratch or make the same mistakes.This isn't a book showcasing photos of finished projects. You can see that for free on his forum (along with projects by other artists of all ages.) It takes a little bit of patience to read through it then return to the areas you need when you do your own projects.5 stars for instruction, humor, entertainment and a lot of content.

As a secondary art teacher of 15 years this is now my go to sculpture bible for sculpture. I had only dabbled with this material prior. Cheap household items only. Getting rave reviews for kids projects as well. Also looked into paper clay sculpting to use on top of the paper mache and using aluminum foil to sculpt smaller shapes. Use images to pay attention to nostril and eye openings. Create skull openings then flesh around it like eyeballs with eyelids over them and nostrils around nose holes. This book is invaluable as I now feel like an expert in a field I was truly a rookie. His technique is great in using bed sheets with glue and folding little squares to show things like scales. Also creating jaws by papermacheing a sub roll shape then slicing it lengthwise and in stuffing it. This giving you an upper and lower jaw. An easy and fun pictorial and well captioned read as his cat ducks in and out of his studio. Tons of pics to put before students that allows them engineer their project. A book full of building basics illustrated with a follow along as he creates a variety of differently engineered creatures. Be sure to check out YouTube with his name. That makes it great for teaching with that resource. We did trophy mounts and bobble heads to limit the amount of the animal being done. A must for anyone starting into sculpture with tips to make you an expert. Allowed my students knowledge to go their own way for their ideas.

I'm a professional crafty person, and I have a fickle Muse. I explore a wide variety of techniques in my arty life, and came across this book while looking into something else entirely.I flipped through the pages and had to have it. The author, Dan Reeder, is a middle school art teacher, and this is one kind of the things he does with his students. But he also does art shows and commission pieces and the technique of "fabric mache" can be used in a wide variety of applications.At one point he discusses why his monster sculptures have only four fingers - not only is it more arty, but seventh graders and middle fingers are evidently not a good idea. LOL!Reeder understands that some people like excrutiating detail and others just need a broad overview, so he gives you multiple options depending on whether you are skimming or taking notes, as well as lots of photos.Even if you don't wind up making anything using this technique, it's definitely worth a read. Your crafty soul will be energized by it. Pick one up, enjoy it, then donate it to your local library.Dan Reeder's website is GourmetPaperMache - lots of fun links, photos, videos, and gallery, just in case you need any extra inspiration to help you decide whether or not to buy this book.

The easy to follow directions and easy to find materials in Papier-Mache Monsters will make it fun when my friends and I make my Cancer Monster. We will be sure he is scarey enough to make the meanest cancer run fast and far. The author, Dan Reeder, is a good instructional writer. The freedom to make something ugly on your first try at a new craft is liberating. The materials and techniques will remain the same, no matter what you choose to make later. The book has complete details in a step by step format.I bought the Kindle version to save money and shelf space. For this step-by-step instruction book, the print version would have been better to view during the construction stages. Plus, I could have donated it to the library when I was finished.