Paper Mache Baby Elephant Sculpture - How to Make It

Thousands of people have made their own life-sized baby elephant following the instructions in this video, using paper mache and the pattern that you can download from my website.
NOTE: I did not put my elephant outside, and although I had been told that marine varnish would protect paper mache, when I did an experiment with it I found that it didn't work. I do not recommend using paper mache for any long-term outdoor use.
You can see all of the sculpting patterns available on my site, including my new Lion King headdress mask patterns, an easy baby elephant wall sculpture, and this baby Indian elephant, here: www.ultimatepap...
If you're new to sculpting, you might want to check out my new blog post with the 5 basic steps to making a paper mache sculpture. You can see it here: www.ultimatepa...
If you love to sculpt - and especially if you enjoy sculpting with paper mache, check out my how-to books:
Make Animal Sculptures: amzn.to/1nMUO3a
How to Make Masks: goo.gl/McFp8L
Make Tiny Paper Mache Dogs: amzn.to/1KXd9zg
Make Adorable Baby Animal Dolls: amzn.to/20GBQcg
Download my new FREE guide: The 5 Best Recipes for Paper Mache: www.ultimatepa...

[@UltimatePaperMache]

😊 See all my patterns for paper mache masks and sculptures here: www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

[@irfansheikh1310]

Ultimate Paper Mache Giraffe

[@sushantshigam2172]

Hello mam.....i want learn paper mache...your videos are helpful..thank u

[@ileanavigil7775]

Faltan. Sus. Chichónes. Seve. Deforme

[@drvidushibeniwal874]

I have make one like this

[@l.dschick-inn-palacecrafts6174]

After you add the clay, how long will it air dry and do you have to use any heat??

[@lauriefrancisco1084]

This video is 14yrs old, but I’m just seeing it on October 2023, and this elephant is fantastic! I had no idea people were doing this kind of thing with this medium! I hope your website still works because I definitely want to see more!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Yes, it definitely still works! And now there are a lot more patterns to look at, too. Check out the "patterns" page when you come to visit. 🙂

[@sambradthemerry8189]

Feb 9 2024 🤣☺️✨️✌️❤️

[@charleen_miguel]

May 31, 2024 for me 🤭🥰😍

[@MA-iu5hu]

Amazing! A person who just goes and makes a beautiful elephant and shares the process with others is doing something very right

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thanks. 😀

[@NikhilKhandekar]

Hi! I can tell you your elephant's awesome because I live in India and know Indian elephants veeeerrry well indeed! This is a masterpiece in paper mache. I am an amateur sculptor and paper mache artist as well. Heartiest congratulations! When you make something as grand, it's double the pleasure to have it around the house, isn't it?! The video's great as well, naturally. Thanks! - Nikhil

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thanks, Nikhil!

[@santhoshta193]

Hi sir can I have your contact no

[@TheLassoe]

You are so incredible! You got me hooked on paper mache-ing. My house is going to look like Noahs Ark by the end of the year, haha!

[@walttuhimata8210]

Lol. I know what u mean. I envision the same thing. 👍👍

[@UandMeGod]

Hahaha I am with you Jessica!

[@sandygrant6969]

Same with me, but a dilophosaurus pack

[@UandMeGod]

That is so funny! I feel the same way too! Except I think I am gonna go in the direction of a gnome and fairyland theme for my yard!!! LOL Sorry neighbors!!! hahaha!!!

[@celinemishra1956]

U r right even when i saw her vedio i thought same like u Jessica

[@jackvonG]

Great job. Elephant A+, video A+, dialogue A+> easy to watch, listen and learn.

[@nighthawk4564]

As an acrylic artist I would totally have fun painting something like this.

[@DrJones-nh4my]

The elephant looks amazing. Who would not want to have one like this?

[@sandrasolaligue-perez4816]

This is 9 years later, but this baby elephant is a total beauty! It looks so real! You are an awesome artist! 🐘🐘🐘

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thanks!

[@dalainebloom4505]

I watched one of Your videos for the first time and it was on how to create Your paper mache mix with glue, toilet paper and joint compound. I am so excited to at some point make this adorable baby elephant. She is so SWEET!!! I love Your work and look forward to watching more of Your videos!!! You're a FANTASTIC SCULPTOR AND ARTIST!!! Thank You for sharing Your talents with Us.

[@marieanyez5579]

Your elephant is wonderful! I love your technique for getting the correct proportions. Thanks for posting this!

[@UandMeGod]

I know this video is really old (11yrs!!!) but dang this elephant is amazing!!! You are so incredibly talented! Seriously I have binge watched so many of your videos and I am so inspired and in awe of your talent! Everything you have made and posted on here is so awesome! From the elephant's to the garden gnome to a puffer fish everything is just so well made and looks so realistic!!! Thank you for sharing so many years of your talents and gifts with all of us!!!!!!!! Happy New Year let's hope 2021 is much better than 2020!!!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

You're welcome - and I sure hope we all have a better year this time. Sheesh! I can't wait for things to get back to normal. 😀

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Johnny Larocque - It would not be a good idea to make a paper mache sculpture and leave it outside. I have tried several methods to waterproof paper mache, and none of them have worked. To see what happens, see the guest post on my blog, a beautiful giraffe sculpture that died the first time it rained. I did intend to leave this one outside when I first made her, but I chickened out - and I'm glad I did. The guest post about the giraffe is here: www.ultimatepapermache.com/make-a-paper-mache-giraffe

[@juliamichelsw]

Ultimate Paper Mache

[@raquelibarra5448]

Ultimate Paper Mache no me gustan sus vídeos para nada

[@raquelibarra5448]

no es mentira jajajajajajjajaj

[@bird.slimess8674]

Ultimate Paper Mache ,

[@BURP39R]

The texture of the skin and bone structure is spot on. Amazing job

[@soulvision55]

One of the best videos I have ever watch on how to do something. I am an artist myself and I seen a lot of bad how to videos. She did a great job on explaining on how to paper mache!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

You're welcome. Always happy to help people stop smoking! And a project this big really would give you plenty to do during the rough days ahead. Happy sculpting!

[@timeenuf4200]

Wow I got tired looking at all the work but what an amazing outcome! How lovely. Thank you again.

[@jjvv8650]

Your baby elephant is beautiful and your instructions are excellent!! I love him. Thank you.

[@dmjdinoz7714]

Thank you...so informative...I love Elephants and this little Lady is adorable!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I'm glad you like her. Are you going to make one?

[@AwesomeSqueakyBee]

that is the cuttest and the most well done papier maché sculpture iv'e seen! Thanks a lot

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@Tahlia Berkhof I know some people use plastic pipes for leg bones, and cover them with paper mache - but I don't know how they connect the bones at the joints.

[@mrs.crab7191]

my english is not so good .. but this hand made is so beutyfull , i dontn no what iam saying ... can you help me ...

[@ragasudharelangi8391]

Hi

[@ragasudharelangi8391]

I want to but your elephant I need two.. pls get back to me

[@ragasudharelangi8391]

Buy*

[@lrbacker14]

I am determined to try this! Just ordered your book. My entire yard is filled with pots of elephant bush (what elephants actually eat, and it grows well - drought resistant - here in the southwest) A large papermache elephant would be the perfect addition! Thanks for sharing and publishing your book.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I hope you like the book! I had to go look up elephant bush, because I'd never heard of it before. It's really pretty. A baby elephant sitting out among the bushes would be wonderful. Be sure to watch my latest experiment about weatherproofing paper mache, too. You can find them on my channel, with "Scarecrow" somewhere in the title.

[@moaconstrictor]

Ugh! This is what ive been needing! thank you so much for such a thorough tutorial

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@RoseGholson It's totally possible! You do need to make sure your reading lamp puts out no heat at all (LED?) but other than that, there's no reason why it wouldn't work. Several readers on my site have built trees out of paper mache, and one commenter left detailed instructions about how to build one and how to safely attach it to the wall. It was very useful. You can find the site by clicking on the link at the beginning of the video's description. Enjoy!

[@1995Benzo]

A student in my college sculpture course is making this 3ft. tall. When I saw the wood armature with the graph lines and the wood spacers I knew that I had seen this done on KZbin! It looks great like yours, only bigger! I'll thank you for my classmate!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Do you mean the particle board that I used for the armature? It's a wood product that you get at the lumber store. Thin plywood would also work. Or very heavy cardboard from moving boxes, if you can find some that are big enough - maybe a refrigerator carton.

[@danab172]

I don't have the amenities or tools... but I swear I needed to see this video. It has awakened a safe and imaginative place... reminding me of a forgotten part of myself.

[@elveescorner]

wonderful I just quit smoking today and was thinking what can I do to keep busy now I can do some paper mache lol thank you very much for sharing your talent :)

[@antonellaa347]

She is beautiful and you are an awesome teacher!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thanks! 😀

[@juliejeffery5300]

Your elephant is beautiful , thank you for this video.

[@cakebythelake]

Amazing! Your directions are easy to follow, and contain wonderful detail.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@seapossumsforrest8162]

Amazing! Love the shape and textures! Thank you for posting!

[@ushashrilakshmin3231]

Amazing, need patience to make it done, and it's smiling which is the highlight and I liked it the most, tq, great job.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thanks!

[@davidhill1220]

Love love love your work and think your a great teacher I’ve been watching your videos for years Thank you Pat

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thanks for the support, David. It means a to to me.

[@jacquelinemanzano9328]

I am impressed, you did a beautiful job on your elephant.

[@lupita1951]

Ms you an artist, and a motivation for many people. I ll try make the baby elefant, thanks for sharing you art with us all.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@alohachristine Thanks for your kind comments. I use the cheapest single-ply paper towels I can find. And yes- that's where the bumpy skin came from. I put a very light coating of paste over the towels, so I wouldn't lose the bumps. They're quite realistic, aren't they?

[@sirensealight]

Wow!! She's beautiful!!

[@user-ue2rg9sn8c]

This is such a joyful sculpture!!! Love it!! Thank you sweetie.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

You're welcome.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@Lucilou101 Yes, you can make a wolf exactly the same way, but with a different shape. The easiest way to make nice fur would be to use the paper mache clay recipe on my blog instead of using the paper strips and paste. You can find it at UltimatePaperMache

[@vivekvijay8316]

Fantastic work. U hv given life to the elephant. Looks real.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thanks!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I'm glad you liked it. Be sure to post a photo of your elephant on my blog when it's done so I can see it.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@stellahobo yes, that's right. Crumpled paper, covered with tape, and then covered with paper mache.

[@smilingbluedog]

Wow, that elephant is adorable! I haven't tried paper mache in a long time... Thank you for the inspiration!

[@Cati4173]

Amazing creative, just wonderful to watch your beautiful projects. Thank you and god keep blessing you.

[@balluumm1]

You make it look and sound so easy, but you are clearly an amazing artist. A beautiful piece of work.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Hundreds of people have made this elephant from my pattern, and the ones I've seen have turned out really nice. I can't say it was easy, exactly, but I think the result was worth it.

[@angelique939]

Your baby elephant is adorable!!!

[@MelindaTodd]

This is AMAZING! Making her for our VBS this year! Thank you! What an inspiration you are!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Great! Have fun with it.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@learntocrochet1 I bent the metal so some of it was flat against the head, put a few pieces of masking tape on the corners to keep it from falling off, and then used paper strips and paste to attach it firmly to the head.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@FernandoTorrera Particle board is made of wood chips, so you can't cut it with a box cutter. A hand saw would work. However, I agree that a horse's legs should be made with something stronger. Wood might work. Make sure the armature itself is strong enough and stable enough to hold your daughter before adding any paper mache. Metal braces might also be needed.

[@ahmedalhiyari]

Hi ma'am , I am sorry to come late 12 years to watch this video now. From 2010 to 2022 its too late. Thank you for this video. I am still learning alot from you. Good luck

[@UltimatePaperMache]

It's never too late on KZbin! Videos live forever. 😊

[@saralajoie5395]

You are such a nice person. You seem to love animals, even the paper mache kind.

[@axelfan10]

i am currently making a life sized maniquin of myself for my art project at the moment, i have made and stuffed it and am now doing the paper mache cover. Thanks for this tutorial it helped me a lot, u are so talented, thanks :)

[@SherlockJo]

Oh, so beautiful!!! I just discovered you today....I cannot do another hobby but I so enjoy seeing your works of art!! AND I love elephants!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I sure do understand about not wanting to take on more projects - but I"m glad you enjoy the video, anyway! :)

[@yoli_1_n_Only]

This is beautiful, I am an elephant obsessor, and was trying to figure out how to do a form for an idea that is still coming together in my mind and this is gorgeous.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I'm glad you liked it. Have fun with your project!

[@helen9525]

you're an absolute pleasure to listen to - thank you !

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@learntocrochet1 One more thing - I made sure the ears were very well attached, and the paper mache over the joint was completely dry, before adding paper mache to the ears themselves. Otherwise, the weight of the paper mache would have pulled the ears off the elephant.

[@davidhill1220]

Everything you make looks sooo real! You make it look fun and easy to make Pat

[@erendiradutra4346]

Omg I’ve never tried paper mache but my autistic grandson who is 6 doesn’t speak but his expression for elephants is nothing but love and I want to so try this for him one day

[@tanquebailarin5817]

5:48 se ve muy marciano sin orejas jajaja, me encanta es increíble ver como algo tan bonito surgió de la nada❤❤

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@orangejuiceandgravy It depends on whether or not you use recycled materials, I had the wood just laying around, and I bought about $10 worth of newspaper roll ends. The masking tape costs the most, so get it on sale. Maybe $30. Like I said, it depends.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@Roxy6512 Yes, I use cardboard for all my smaller projects. It might not be strong enough for something this large, though. Perhaps you could make it stronger by gluing two or three sheets together.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@aguirreruru This elephant was made using raw flour paste and paper strips. I did not use glue.

[@cristinahr9349]

Sus manos hacen maravilla .no e puede creer estoy nose no le puedo esplicar la emoción que siento 👍👍👍👏👏👏👏🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋😀😀😀

[@mvuto137]

Fantastic. Was looking to create our own sculpture for the home. This is a great idea.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Have fun! 😊

[@jayarajnmnm6274]

I'm from kerala India. and I usually make this kind of things such as Kathakali masks using paper pulp and gum. But it is a fantastic idea thank you very much.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I tried to find out what "gum" is called here in the US, but I keep seeing the kind we chew. I'm sure that's not what you're using. Do you know if there's another name for it? I'd like to try it, if the product is available here.

[@shayvonnebraunson2787]

OMG, you did a beautiful, beautiful job. I would love to learn how to make this so intimidating. So beautiful god bless your hands Love from NYC 🌼

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@lolalover1597 You can make the ears as big as you want. If you're going for an African elephant, you might want to make a few minor changes to the body shape and number of toes, too.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@artsy312 Joint compound and cellulose insulation - but if I did this elephant again I would use my new paper mache clay recipe instead of the paper strips and paste and the insulation. The recipe is listed in the nav bar of my site at UltimatePaperMache

[@MernieLove]

you are so talented!!!! WOW!!!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@ArtGlassGeek Joint compound, also called joint filler, is used in the construction industry. The cellulose is ground up paper, also used in houses. I no longer use this combo, since the paper mache clay recipe on my site works much better.

[@paddybabe333]

Fantastic! I actually bookmarked your website then came to youtube to look for vids, saw the elephant and thought "I reconize her!" Have subscribed and hopefully will have a go at some making tonight! :)

[@cardboardgiraffe29]

@UltimatePaperMache yes, years ago. it dries solid and is quite heavy, and very strong. just think of a plaster cast for a broken limb or something. i made a cardboard armature and then plastered over this

[@dpdelucia]

She is BEAUTIFUL!! I wish I could make one along side of you because elephants are my favorite animal, and this would be a perfect addition to my home. 💗

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Hi Deborah. Hundreds of people have made their own, and they come out great. Go ahead and give it a try.

[@dpdelucia]

Ultimate Paper Mache Thank you! I think I will...

[@Cheryl64014]

You are so gifted! Thank you for sharing this.

[@mootsay]

Thank you for posting this, it's really helpful!

[@elizj713]

This was a really cool video. I plan on taking on this project with my five year old daughter..thanks for posting this video

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I ended up keeping my elephant in the house, but since then I've learned that you can get good results by using deck sealer or basement sealer on the paper mache before painting, and then use as a UV resistant varnish over the paint. It won't last forever, but it should hold up for a while. The varnish will need to be redone at least once a year.

[@ahmedalhiyari]

There is an invented powder called Cocoon by an old friend ( Barrie Cooper ) from Australia who established his own company named Westox , he used to sell this cocoon to the whole world for keeping historic buildings live longer , the cocoon works on desalination to prevent the cracks or color changes from paints and stones were these cracks are caused by salt or sulfur.

[@kimie368]

Wow it's a very good job. Very nice sculpture

[@celinemishra1956]

Amazing work hats of to u love from india.even many years ago i have also tried this when i was little girl ..and found success nice to see ur work happy to see ur work it reminds me do again 😀😘

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thank you so much.Have fun! 😀

[@celinemishra1956]

@@UltimatePaperMache 😘😘

[@StephenMannixLSAD]

Favourated Video..It will prove to be usefull to me in the future. Great work

[@UltimatePaperMache]

For this project I combined joint compound with some ground cellulose insulation. If I did this again I'd just use my paper mache clay recipe, which was developed after the elephant was made. You can find the recipe on my website, UltimatePaperMache. The cellulose comes in a really big bale, and you only need a small amount, while the clay is made with toilet paper instead. Much easier and cheaper.

[@kingjk276]

You really worth all the likes in the world. Great job indeed

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thanks!

[@davidhill1220]

Very generous! Patricia 👍

[@rebeccaparks1100]

Thank you so much for sharing. You are incredibly gifted and talented and so very kind. I plan to use your recipes and start small. I will let you know.❤️

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@lusal1116 You can make any form, animal, human, vegetable, mineral - using the same techniques that I used for the baby elephant.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

The inside pattern is made of wood, and it needs to be cut with a power saw. For that, you would want some help. You also might want to check my blog, because I have a lot of tutorials for making smaller sculptures. You might like to try a smaller one first, before you tackle something this big.

[@robertlim3106]

Wow its so beautiful my kids love your channel so much

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I'm glad they enjoy it.

[@Paulo37580]

Absolutely beautiful. Greetings from Brazil.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

😊

[@MsCreativeLady]

What a cool way of making a elephant sculpture. Thank you I enjoy watch, and I will vist your web site. Thank you, and God bless you.

[@birdwatchingwithdrrajasaur4410]

Aweeeeeee! Looks so adorable! 😍

[@elliegoshinsky6802]

I am so in love with this video and the elephant!! Lol I really can't wait to make this and have him sitting in my living room.. I hope I can find a baby giraffe on here as well including the body. Standing or sitting but gotta have the giraffe as well... I will let you know how it goes!!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I have wanted a baby giraffe for my own house, but I still haven't made a pattern for one. Maybe I'll put it on my list for next year.

[@Moniik503]

Es increíble lo que usted hace. Me encanto. Saludos y abrazos desde México.

[@MVArtDad]

love this - need to learn more about the joint compound, celulois mixture

[@familyvideosmakingmemories3590]

I made a large beautiful elephant, thanks to you.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

That's great! We'd love to see it, if you'd like to share a photo or two. You can do that on my site here: www.ultimatepapermache.com/daily-sculptors-group-page

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@Marley831 I'm swamped with other projects right now, so I can't make a winnie the pooh sculpture at this time. However, you could use the instructions in my book, with slight changes, to make one of your own. You can find Make Animal Sculptures with Paper Mache Clay on amazon

[@TTHOROUGH]

Awesome video, you are extremely talented. Im inspired to make my own since I gave away my store bought elephant sculptures last year.

[@chandrakaladev6741]

Its so Pro. Amazing techniques love your creations ma'am. Thank you.

[@ausendamartins-criatividadeena]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful ❤❤

[@tiatokkesdal1745]

Absolutely beautiful. You’re so talented.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

😊