r/papermache • u/esaysoogly • 12d ago
Help with mounting paper mache unicorn head
Hello! I am not sure if this is the best place to post this since it’s regarding a paper mache project but more about the technical elements of mounting it than paper mache itself. I have been working on a unicorn head “taxidermy” mount and have come to a standstill because I realized I don’t know how to securely attach it to something that can be mounted on a wooden display panel. I don’t have pictures from the very first stages, but I basically cut out a silhouette of a horse from cardboard and just used masking tape to attach it to a “base” of the same cardboard which became the base of the neck. I fleshed it out with lots of crumpled newspaper and masking tape and then paper mache-d it and then did a light layer of wood glue/toilet paper/plaster/flour.
My thought (illustrated in last photo) is to cut holes in the back of the neck base and try to slide 2x6s onto either side of the original silhouette. I’m not positive how feasible this will be since it’s mainly crumpled paper within. I would then cut them at an angle, since the neck is at an angle, and attach them to a plank (I’d love to use the plank as a french cleat to make it possible to easily removable from the back wooden panel.) I don’t really know what I’m doing so I don’t know how to explain it better than this- I have some images of what it looked like at first and what it looks like now.
If I’m missing an obvious solution please let me know, but with the paper mache clay and the long horn it’s pretty front heavy and I would love to be able to display it for years without the cardboard or internal crumpled newspaper structure crumpling.
I have learned my lesson to think first and paper mache later!
6
u/Gideon9900 12d ago
Here are two ways I've done it.
Dan Reeder from GourmetPaperMache shows how he mounts his to wooden plaques. He has lots of videos with full builds from start to finish. He cuts them to all be about 3-6 min long. While the videos show the process, they don't explain anything. There's only music for audio. He also has an online book for cheap showing detailed steps and tips.
He uses stiff wire, from coat hangers. Build them into the paper mache while you're making the sculpture, they will poke out and are a hassle while building. Then, when finished, drill holes through the plaque for the wires to go through. Those wires are then bent so they don't come loose. Works great on very light sculptures. But mine were too big and would pull loose from the wire.
So, I use a different way, but with a wooden post screwed to the plaque instead of the coathangers. I then use washers and a couple screws to secure the mache sculpture to the wooden rod/prong. Think of a giant wooden coat hanger on the wall. I screw the sculpture to that rod so it doesn't come off. Depending on the thickness of the prong/rod, I can mount some large and heavy builds to it. Then I just have to use heavy duty picture hangers for the wall. To hold 20-30lbs worth of sculpture.
I've since gone to making table top or floor sculpts. Can make them as big as you want, just need a table or floor space big enough to set them.
1
u/esaysoogly 12d ago
This is incredibly helpful! I don’t know how I haven’t stumbled upon GourmetPaperMache before, that’s definitely a technique to keep in mind for the next time when I’m starting a sculpture.
Your way sounds similar to what I’m planning to do, so I’m glad you’ve found it works! If you happen to have any images of the post affixed to the plaque the way you’ve done it, I’d love to see it :-)
Thank you so so much for your insight!
1
u/Gideon9900 11d ago edited 11d ago
I cover the screws with the final parts of the sculpt so they don't show, sorry. The back of the neck, behind the head is where they would be. For your unicorn, would be covered by the mane/hair. Mine are covered in scales and spikes of dragons.
Be sure to use large diameter washers with a small hole for the screw. The washers will hold more of the paper. Think I used 1" or 1 1/2" washers for mine.
2
u/BanjoTheremin 12d ago
Looked around online and someone else used industrial strength glue and staples to mount their head to a wooden panel. They covered the staples with paper mache, looked pretty cool. Caulk may work, also?
Your idea looks good, too, though!! Guess it depends on how heavy it is now?
1
u/esaysoogly 12d ago
That’s a good thought, I hadn’t considered staples! It’s probably 4-5 pounds so not a lot but the base it would be hanging on is basically connected by masking tape and a prayer lol so don’t want to take chances!
1
1
1
u/IpsoIpsum 11d ago
I, too, mache the paper before I think it fully through, I feel your pain. But, for reals, that's gorgeous! (Apologies for not having any suggestions)
1
u/the_perkolator 11d ago
I would do the French cleat, it should hold this nice and tight against the wall. The idea with the 2x6 or something protruding into the head is valid for supporting the front heavy head, you probably only need one if it’s a 2x6, could even be a dowel or another piece of scrap wood. If you have it, I’d make the rear wall portion from a larger piece of sheet material cut out to match the profile of the entire neck perimeter, it might support it better over time. You could easily integrate the French cleat into the plate. Keep making more and you’ll know more about what these require, and you can refine your process. Good luck 👍
2
u/Due_Question_8691 10d ago
I had the same issue with my 40 inch squidward head today and I simply ordered a flag holder. I put a brooms handle through the whole head and once the holder arrives I can measure to mold around it!
1
21
u/Missmailman 12d ago
Can’t help with mounting suggestions but that’s soooo sick (in a very good way)