How to Make a Frog Figure

Armature

• 1

  Study frog reference photos and decide on a pose for your frog figure.

• 2

  Twist newspaper into a basic body shape and secure the form with masking tape.

• 3

  Add a small mound of paper at the head end of the body.

• 4

  Roll small wet balls of paper for the eyes. Attach them with small pieces of tape, so they protrude from the top sides of the head.

• 5

  Tape twigs to the body for legs. Position the legs according to reference photos. Tape the joints tightly with tape.

• 6

  Fashion smaller twigs into toes at the end of the legs; secure with tape.

Papier Mache

• 7

  Stir 1 cup of white flour into 1 cup of warm water in a saucepan. Blend with a wire whisk.

• 8

  Boil 1 cup of water and add to the flour paste. The heat activates gluten in the grain and makes it elastic.

• 9

  Allow the paste to cool and add five drops of clove oil as an antifungal. Set paste aside while you prepare the paper pulp.

• 10

  Tear newspaper into small pieces, like confetti.

• 11

  Fill a pot halfway with paper and add water to the top of the vessel.

• 12

  Boil the paper until it becomes a gray pulp.

• 13

  Pour the pulp on an old towel and bring the ends together to hang over a large basin and drain.

• 14

  Squeeze the towel when it is cool to remove any excess water.

• 15

  Dump the squished pulp into a large plastic mixing bowl. Break the clumps up with your hands.

• 16

  Add the paste until you have a consistency like clay.

Forming

• 17

  Spread the paste pulp over your paper armature.

• 18

  Lay the pulp in thin layers.

• 19

  Form a continuous surface with the texture of your chosen subject.

• 20

  Integrate the appendages and eyes into the whole body with pulp.

• 21

  Dry for 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature in your locale.

• 22

  Paint details with acrylic paints.