Paper Mache Pumpkin Version 2 - Part 5 The Groovy Technique

[@richa7090]

I like the new technique. The only drawback I see is that it appears to use considerably more mache clay than the previous version, which is going to add a lot of weight (and strength as well). Both have their benefits. I like the ability to get a more varied shape with the plastic bag technique. The beach ball will be mostly perfectly round. Both look great, just depends on what look you are going for. My partner and I created two huge pumpkin heads that we wore as our Halloween costume a few years ago using your original technique and a giant balloon. It's still most people's favorite costume we've done.

[@Drachenfang]

Glad to hear the costumes were a hit. I agree that the ball is much thicker and heavier with the additions and without the controllability that a bag offers. I kinda wonder what a textured bag might look like.

[@TheLadyWoreBlack73]

The feed stores have shallow flat bottomed feed pans that would hold these so much better. They are heavy rubber, they are hard to tip, easy to clean, relatively inexpensive, and come in a bunch of sizes.

[@Drachenfang]

We've got a tractor supply in town. I will have to go check them out and see what they have. Thanks

[@joannegee1650]

Onward - I am doing him now - and am up to the groovy part. Note that I am pumpkin fanatic now - you made me this way - and my guys have to be smooth - so I slather lots - and guess what- I get them really, really smooth - not a crack or crevice showing anymore on mine. Then I hit them with Dremel goodies - a fantastic fanatic - that's me!

[@Drachenfang]

Awesome stuff. It's good to be crafty.

[@charlesblack2523]

Still enjoying the tutorial 👍🏼

[@letiiris4256]

😮

[@Drachenfang]

It's a fun little project 🙂

[@jasonmagnuson4734]

I've been wanting to make these since the first video came out. I'm doing it this year with my 5 year old son. Time management is becoming an issue, and I'm trying to keep us on schedule to have them done before Halloween. How long are you letting the paper clay dry? Is it about the same as the paper mache? I know it'll be different based on humidity, but a rough estimate would really help me out with planning.

[@Drachenfang]

I'm so glad you're able to do this with your son. That's a really great opportunity. The drying time for paper clay is pretty much 'overnight' (6 to eight hours with a fan on it). The mache often dries faster (approx 4-6 hours with a fan on it). The biggest kicker for your time will be the size of the pumpkin and the extent to which you sweat the tiny details such as laying the paper strips down smoothly versus haphazardly sticking them on. I am guessing it will be within the tendency of a 5 year old to rush a bit. If time is a factor then look at a beachball/form no larger than 12" across or look into doing several of the tiny 6" beachballs. Those pumpkins go together in very little time.

[@joannegee1650]

I don't really get why you do not put the wormy bits first (other words why the initiallayer of clay?

[@Drachenfang]

Then the shell is too thin and the whole pumpkin looks detail bereft.

[@janetbrimston4557]

Shame you have not stated how long between coats is the dry9ing time, on both the paper mache and then the clay.

[@Drachenfang]

You're very right I did not. The reason should be obvious though because people in hot climates like Nevada can put their pumpkins outside and have them bone dry within a matter of hours whereas people in a high humidity climate like Louisiana will find that their pumpkins take longer to dry. Therefore a precise hour and minute drying time is meaningless because it is all relevant to the local ambient conditions.

[@joannegee1650]

Just one question again - is the tp mache really more difficult to cut especially the bottom hole cut out as compared to insulation clay?

[@Drachenfang]

My saber cut bit had a very tough time getting through the tp clay when it was already thickly applied. The thickness of the layer was the definitive factor. I think a jigsaw would have very few problems getting through it but a jigsaw has limits in cut turn radius when trying to cut out a face.

[@Conrad.Enterprise]

How much would you say a finished pumpkin of your size weighs?

[@Drachenfang]

I'd guess about 8 lbs

[@Conrad.Enterprise]

@@Drachenfang thanks. I’m going to be making a lot (if I’m any good at it) and attaching them to a board but wasn’t sure the weight.

[@Drachenfang]

@@Conrad.Enterprise No prob. I guarantee you'll rock it. :)

[@Fragki]

You can also use that ball with 8 or 9 strings tightened around it for a mature pumpkin effect!! I have already made 3 of them.Try it and you will be totally satisfied with the result!

[@Drachenfang]

I will have to give that a try sometime. Thanks for the idea :)

[@Fragki]

@@Drachenfang Thanks a lot for your inspiring tutorial.Let's Halloween!Also,it would be nice to make a spooky tree from paper clay, won't it?

[@Drachenfang]

A full tree is challenging but I like to make my tree stuff from cotton soaked in mache paste. It makes an incredibly good organic facade. I used it in my wytch bottle and wytch orb project.@@Fragki

[@iCUVideos2011]

Can the drying be done outside in the sun?

[@Drachenfang]

You can but you need to watch the temperature differential. If you live in a hot area and take one of these from an a/c cooled room to a desert scorch the beach ball can expand to a rupture

[@laurareinaga6736]

Do u have any advice for beginners ?. I really want to make my own halloween decor . you are amazingly talented .

[@Drachenfang]

Yes. make something small to start with. A small project takes less time, you get to the fun part faster, and you get something simple and solid right off the bat. Don't expect your first project to be just the way you envision it. Art is a journey of happy little accidents (as the dear Bob Ross would say) and a lot of people get discouraged when their first pumpkin doesn't come out looking like an art gallery piece. They're not supposed to. My first pumpkin looks very different from the ones I make now. If you find yourself getting frustrated... stop for a while. It's supposed to be fun and if you're not having fun then it's time to take a step back. Hope these help. :)

[@laurareinaga6736]

@@Drachenfang Omgosh thank u so much for the advice 💚 it means a lot .

[@dragonseyeaerial2229]

@@laurareinaga6736 No problem. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns as you progress :)

[@WarGamerGirl]

If you go back to his earlier videos, he starts off with a "from scratch" type series on how to make these pumpkins =)

[@grammjam]

How thick is the second layer?

[@queenlee2719]

Glue a plate to the bottom of the bowl so it won't tip over

[@Drachenfang]

I should do that. Somewhere I've got a few big plastic plates. Thanks :)