Project Requirements:

The creature must be able to stand independently.
Five obvious animals will be incorporated - either by the sculpture body parts and/or the painted textures. You can use snake features but you can't have a snake body.
Size: Must be at least big as a roll of paper towels but no larger than four rolls of paper towels.

Papier-Mâché will be graded on:

Smoothness
The whole surface will be covered

Paint is graded on:

How well the animal patterns are painted
Everything is painted
Good coverage
Clean lines

About Pedro Linares - Mexican Papier-Mâché artist

This article is from the website: https://peoplepill.com/people/pedro-linares

Pedro Linares Lopez (29 June 1906 – 25 January 1992) was a Mexican artisan born in Mexico City and was the creator of the paper -maché figurines named alebrijes.

Pedro Linares started as a skilled maker of carton Judas figures and figurines for Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and many other artists from the Academia de San Carlos. The art form of alebrijes was created by Pedro Linares after he became ill at 30 years old. His own unique alebrijes originated from a dream, depicting his death and rebirth in a mountainous setting inhabited by these fierce creatures.

While he was in bed, unconscious, Linares dreamt of a strange place resembling a forest. There were trees, animals, clouds, sky, rocks, etc.; he felt no pain and was very happy walking down there. Suddenly, rocks, clouds and animals turned into bizarre creatures; he saw a donkey with butterfly wings, a rooster with bull horns, a lion with an eagle head, and were shouting the word: "Alebrijes." Every animal was shouting louder and louder: "Alebrijes, Alebrijes, Alebrijes!".

The sound was terrible, and Linares was not able to stay there for long. He got a terrible headache and ran along a stone road where a man was walking. Linares asked the man for help as he wanted to escape. The man told him that he should not be here yet, and said that Linares had to walk by that road a few meters ahead for the exit. Linares ran until he was in front of a narrow window, passed through that window, and then woke up.

After his illness subsided, Linares gave life to his vision and the art of making alebrijes was born. He wanted his family and everyone to know about the animals he saw by taking a piece of paper and molding the figurines from his memory, then painting them as he saw them in his dream.

Soon, Pedro Linares would be renowned as the best artisan in Mexico. Alebrije makers and artists popped up all over Mexico, taking inspiration from Pedro Linares' work. These figures are prized in Mexico and countries around the world. Diego Rivera stated that no one else could have fashioned the strange figures he requested. Work done by Linares for Diego Rivera is now displayed at the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. Pedro Linares received the National Arts and Science award in the Popular and Traditional Arts category in 1990, the highest decoration to artisans granted by the Mexican Government. Two years later, Pedro Linares died at the age of 85.

His three children and later grandchildren kept the Linares name synonymous with the refined art of cartonería. Alebrijes continue to be produced by the Linares family and in other workshops across Mexico. They are exported to art galleries exhibiting Mexican art worldwide and are an excellent representation of Mexican talent.

What Is Papier-Mâché?

Article By Lauren Thomann. Updated on 11/30/19.

Papier-mâché or paper mache is a popular crafting technique that uses paper and a paste to create a variety of objects. The method is named after the French term for “chewed paper,” which makes sense given the steps needed for any papier-mâché project.

Papier-mâché is the layering of moistened paper and other materials onto a blank surface like a balloon. The adhesive used to wet the paper acts as a binding agent. As the paper dries, the outer shell hardens, which can then be painted and decorated.

This craft is centuries old and is prized for its affordability and practicality. Essentially, all you need is recycled paper and a simple paste to create durable items like piñatas, vases, and jewelry boxes. Find out more about what paper mache is, its history, and how you can get started on a project.

What Is Papier-Mâché Used For?

It might seem like the only paper mache options are rudimentary objects like bowls and simple sculptures. However, this method is also used to make items as large and intricate as carnival floats. In the past, paper mâché was combined with other materials to make things like canoes and even auxiliary fuel tanks.

This age-old craft spans multiple generations and countries, assisting in the making of several objects. Although the name is French, this method didn’t make an appearance in France until the 17th century. Before then, the technique was used in China and elsewhere in the world as far back as 200 BC.

In ancient China, this method was used to construct objects like snuff boxes and warrior helmets.
The ancient Egyptians used papier-mâché to make death masks using linen and plaster.
In 18th-century Europe, this technique was used as a less expensive option to ornamental plaster and carved wood on furniture.
In modern times, papier-mâché has been replaced with materials like plastic, so the technique is no longer commercially accessible for decorative objects.

How Papier-Mâché is Made:

The principles behind papier-mâché are simple: cut some paper into manageable strips, moisten the strips with a pre-made adhesive, then smooth the paper on a surface. These steps work well when you’re making simple kids crafts. However, some additional techniques help elevate the craft beyond simple bowls and sculptures.

Decide What Form to Use

Balloons — work well when creating bowls, sculptural faces, and masks.
Cardboard — this material is ideal for square objects like jewelry boxes and planters. You can also make an intricate frame using cardboard to make sculptures and pinatas.
Chicken Wire — create large scale projects like lamp bases or lanterns using flexible wire.
Eggs — can help create the base of small dolls and other objects.
Paper pulp — make some paper pulp if you want to freehand an object without a base or mold. To make pulp, you mix full sheets of paper with water until it has a pulp-like consistency.

Choose an Adhesive

Mix flour and hot water.
Dilute Elmer’s glue with water.
Use drywall compound and glue for heavy-duty projects.
Purchase a pre-mixed adhesive.

Make Something Using These Steps

Layer the strips of paper on the form in a cross-hatched pattern.
Use at least three layers of paper for durability.
Allow the piece to dry completely before sanding or painting.
Traditionally, papier-mâché paste is made using flour and water. However, if you decide to use this method, be aware that the project could develop mold over time. To combat this, you could opt to use diluted craft glue or wood glue. You could also add oil of cloves or salt to the adhesive mixture as a mold deterrent.

Papier Mâché Ideas for Beginners

The great thing about papier-mâché is that it is a craft that’s suitable for all age groups and skill levels. It’s fun to get your hands messy, and it can be relaxing to work with your hands. The craft is similar in feel to throwing pottery, but it is much easier to make papier-mâché at home. Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
Start with a balloon base and make a simple hanging candle holder.
Use the bottom of a balloon and some paper pulp to make an abstract bowl.
Cover a cardboard letter form with papier-mâché to give it an unusual texture.
Blow up different sized balloons to create a set of nesting bowls.
Cover cereal boxes to create a fun office organizer.
Working with papier-mâché is fun, but it can be messy too. Be sure to prepare your working area with drop cloths and wear an apron.