This is probably one of the more serious paper mache projects I worked on during my early years exploring the craft. While my ideas and techniques have evolved since then, these pieces hold a special place in my journey.
At the time, I was working as a daily-paid assistant at an organization involved in wildlife conservation. As a parting gift to my colleagues before I left to further my studies, I made these pieces for them.
I’ve always built my projects from scratch using raw materials. I seldom use masking tape or non-paper-based materials in my work, especially during my early days. However, I do use PVA glue (white glue) instead of flour paste, as I’m wary of bugs being attracted to the latter and munching on my work.
For this project, I made a shallow container in the shape of a sea turtle.
The carapace (top shell) was formed using 5–6 layers of newspaper strips over a crystal ball as a mould. The body and flippers were constructed from cardboard sourced from my recycling box, attached to the body using more newspaper strips.
I then shaped the overall form using paper mash (paper pulp).
This is Jedi, our family cat at the time. She was very helpful. Always supervising my progress. She crossed over the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago at the ripe old age of 20. I miss her.
I let the paper pulp dry completely over several days.
I must admit, back then I was chasing perfection. I aimed for a smooth surface, rather than embracing the natural texture and character of paper mash. Once dried, I applied homemade gesso and sanded it smooth.
After that, I gave it a coat of white interior wall paint and painted the details using acrylics.
The eyes were drawn with a paint marker, and I finished it off with a layer of lacquer or varnish spray (I can’t recall exactly which).
I spent about two months on this project. Researching, designing, and crafting, mostly during weekends and evenings after work.
Unfortunately, I lost most of the photos and don’t have a picture of the full collection (I made ten turtles in total). But I did keep one, the “watermelon turtle.” It was actually my prototype before starting the rest, and it still reminds me of the thrill and satisfaction of building something from scratch.
wai yoke 