2016 - Project 1 - Paper Mache Pumpkin Student's Thread

lizzy how much paper clay will be needed? Just trying to decide if making it or buying it is best for me. lets say making the 13 gallon bag sized pumpkin.
also there were some stars by the paint list but I didn't see any additional comments about the paint, was there something about color choice ect or will any shades do?
thanks

disembodied voice it really depends on how thick your layers of clay are. One batch of Stolloween's clay will probably do it. If you use Jay Olson's Clay make a double batch as it yields about half the clay. To be honest Stolloween's clay is easier to make since you just add the cellulose insulation as it is, whereas with Jay Olson's recipe you have to soak the TP, break it down and strain it first. You can get a smoother finish with Jay's clay though.

I have a package of Celluclay here and will mix it up and see how much it yields and will post here.

The stars by the paint were an error and I removed them. I use cheap bottles of acrylic paint from Walmart. You can also use a flat black or brown latex house paint for the base layer if you like. If you are making a large pumpkin that would be more economical.

Hi newby tp forum here but not to costume design and build. Coincidentally I was planning on a giant pumpkin headed critter for next year so I will be following along. Looking to do largest size possible so will be using a drum liner.
Question. Is Sculptamold similar to/same as Celluclay?

nosefuratyou said:

Hi newby tp forum here but not to costume design and build. Coincidentally I was planning on a giant pumpkin headed critter for next year so I will be following along. Looking to do largest size possible so will be using a drum liner.
Question. Is Sculptamold similar to/same as Celluclay?

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From what I was able to find out about Sculptamold, I think it will work just fine. The only problem I foresee is that thick layers may take a day or two to dry but so does paper clay.

I've been under the weather and have gotten behind a bit. I hope to have more info posted in the instructor's thread in the next few days. Still have to mix up the Celluclay and wanting to get some measurements on the TP as two rolls of one brand probably won't yield the same amount as two rolls of another. My plans leading up to the build are to experiment and show a few different techniques and options along the way.

I have a doctor's appointment later today and will be close to an AC Moore so will see what they have to offer too.

I will soon be posting some pictures of finished and in progress pumpkins as it seems that the majority of my finished ones have found other homes.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have concerning the materials or the build.

Thanks Unorthodox! Just wondering how this compares to the Celluclay when mixed according to package directions? I imagine your recipe would go farther and be easier to sand if needed.

UnOrthodOx said:

In case anyone wants it:

UNORTHODOX CLAY RECIPE.

I needed something I could whip up in small batches when and where I need them, and a lot of the available recipes don't provide that.

5 parts celluclay (available at michaels or other hobby stores) (pack tight your measuring cup, like measuring brown sugar)

put in a mixing bowl. With bread hooks on your mixer,

cut in 2 parts joint compound

Add water to desired consistency. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY. Should come out something akin to sugar cookie dough. If you get too much water, add a little flour.

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OK working on measurements and calculating amounts of clay for various sized pumpkins. Will update this thread and instructor's thread with my results.

lizzyborden said:

Thanks Unorthodox! Just wondering how this compares to the Celluclay when mixed according to package directions? I imagine your recipe would go farther and be easier to sand if needed.

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The biggest advantages I have found over the package instructions:

1. Nowhere near as tacky. It's a common complaint of celluclay that it's a sticky mess when mixed according to instructions, and I've suffered that same problem to the point where I had written off celluclay for anything more than just a form in favor of DAS clay for finishing, which is much more expensive, but easy to smooth.

With my recipe, I'm happy to just use the celluclay.

2. Much less shrinkage and deformation.

Anyone have any good ideas on where to get newspaper or paper for this project? We don't get newspapers at our house and I know shiny printed paper is a no go which is what most of the adds we get are on. I have been looking at CL but never see free newspaper as the city has a huge recycling program.

allears22 said:

Anyone have any good ideas on where to get newspaper or paper for this project? We don't get newspapers at our house and I know shiny printed paper is a no go which is what most of the adds we get are on. I have been looking at CL but never see free newspaper as the city has a huge recycling program.

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Do you have a local newspaper in your town? I've had good luck getting their discards. I don't know how libraries handle old newspapers but that might be an option too. You can also use brown packing paper or paper bags. I've used the Dollar Tree brown packing paper a few times and it works great. Also that shiny paper is great for stuffing the pumpkin form.

UnOrthodOx said:

The biggest advantages I have found over the package instructions:

1. Nowhere near as tacky. It's a common complaint of celluclay that it's a sticky mess when mixed according to instructions, and I've suffered that same problem to the point where I had written off celluclay for anything more than just a form in favor of DAS clay for finishing, which is much more expensive, but easy to smooth.

With my recipe, I'm happy to just use the celluclay.

2. Much less shrinkage and deformation.

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Yeah I was really disappointed with the celluclay mixed according to the package directions.

I use cheap toilet paper, instead of newspaper. Same deal - no more newspaper delivery. But, if you want to go out and find newspaper, try your local recycling drop-off point.


I use a mix of white glue, joint compound, and soaked, shredded TP for my paper clay. (Mixed in a food processor.) My mix isn't always as finely textured as I'd like, though - gets paper clumps sometimes. And it molds fairly quickly if not refrigerated.


Thinking about mache again, as I finally got some plaster bandages for making a face cast. Most of my mache work is in mask making, rather than props.

I'm feeling way out of my league ..ive never used any of these things before ... this could get interesting ..

^That's the point - probably a lot of people are feeling exactly the same way. We will all support each other and laugh/cry over the disasters and cheer the successes.

Always Wicked said:

I'm feeling way out of my league ..ive never used any of these things before ... this could get interesting ..

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It really is pretty simple. It may seem a little intimidating but I promise it will be fun!

DandyBrit said:

^That's the point - probably a lot of people are feeling exactly the same way. We will all support each other and laugh/cry over the disasters and cheer the successes.

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I couldn't have said it better myself! I'm trying to get my schedule cleared up so I will be available to answer any questions you may have.

I also just posted a few pictures and notes on the instructor's thread too.

We are currently getting socked with snow from Jonas and I'll be surprised if we don't lose electricity before morning. So if I'm AWOL for several days, you'll know why.

lizzyborden said:

Do you have a local newspaper in your town? I've had good luck getting their discards. I don't know how libraries handle old newspapers but that might be an option too.

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I work at the library at community college. We get four daily newspapers, and we dispose of the old ones for recycling once a week. In the past, there was a guy who asked me to set some aside so he could use them to mulch his garden, and I didn't mind holding on to them for him. So it's worth it to ask (especially if you explain what you're using them for, and that it doesn't matter how old they are).

Ask old folks! They love the newspaper! I actually have my parents save their newspaper for me and I pick it up from them periodically. (no pun intended.)

I used to work for the postal service and every week we would have a stack of leftover Value Guides (I've heard some of you refer to Penny Savers) and unless someone asked for them, they went in the trash. So you may want to inquire at your PO. Also most of the hotels I've stayed in have always had complimentary papers in their lobbies, so that might be an option too. Some of the restaurants offer papers too, and they go in the trash when the new one arrives.