I’m not into taxidermy, but I’m really into paper mache animal heads (like these). Can someone make sense out of that one? Yeah, me neither. Despite the irony, I really couldn’t bring myself to pay the hefty price tags for these babies, and I’d make one from scratch, but I’m not a sculpture artist either. Alas, I bought a paper mache animal and sawed it’s head off. All of the awesome, with half the work and half the cost!
Materials:
- Paper mache animal (Lots of options here, mine is from Michael’s)
- Spray paint
- Saw (or heavy duty scissors)
- Two long nails
- Hammer
Technically you could use any plastic animal for this project, but I think the paper mache looks much better in the end. Either way, first thing is to saw the head off. As long as you saw/cut straight down, the finished product should lay flush against the wall. If it doesn’t, you can use scissors to trim up troubled edges. Spray paint it the color of your choice and let it dry.
My solution for hanging the animal is pretty straightforward, but if you have any clever solutions for this, I’m all ears!
This version calls for two long, industrial nails two inches apart (according to the size of your animal), and hammered in at a downward angle. Then the animal just slips over the nails and sits up straight.
This is BRILLIANT! :)
That’s a big deal coming from you, hope you’re well :)
I totally love taxidermy! And I adore that you DIYed some faux taxidermy!
For those of us who arent avid hunters(who proudly display their trophy heads on the wall), this is the next best thing :)
haha, no avid hunters here, that’s for sure!
Just on Monday I was looking at some similar ones at Anthro, but husband said they were too expensive….would you come here and make one for my son’s bedroom? ;)
I’ll trade you as many animals heads as you want for a plane ticket, sound good?
I’ve been looking for a paper mache stag head like that forever, but now I know the trick is to saw the head off. ;)
Thanks for the link. I’ll also check out craft stores around here for one too.
Haha, that is the secret!
This is great! I have always wanted one, but I always say to myself I think I can do that myself and now I can!! If I follow through I will be sure to share. thanks!
Just came across your blog + I LOVE it!! These animal head are fabulous!
eek! Thanks so much! :)
[...] les explications pour réaliser cet animal, photos à l’appui, sont sur le blog Sugar & Cloth [...]