How can I craft a cow head plaque?
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My husband is from Switzerland and we recently returned from a visit with a cow bell that he has mentioned he would like to hang it on a cow head. I have searched the web with no luck that isn't too pricey!! I have seen many with hooks that are too small so I thought I might be able to craft one so any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Suggested Project Book
You can use one of the heads that is just bone with all fur and skin removed, and bleached white. They also have horns on them. I bought one for about $25 a few years back.
I have a couple of ideas.... I have seen some good sized cow puppets, perhaps you could find one (thrift store), and staple it to a wood backing , like a trophy head. Idea #2 is to make a head out of paper mache, just newsprint soaked in a glue or wall paper paste, over a basic "skeleton" of wire or cardboard, etc. Shouldn't be too hard with all the supportive ideas here and in Pinterest. Sounds like a fun challenge! Good luck!
Found a bunch for you!
https://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/04/paper-mache-animal-heads-a-tutorial.html
https://youtu.be/O7G_v1HKOYE
https://youtu.be/bwIg-gd4bSI
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/546554104751720916/
https://goo.gl/images/nd1ofA
https://goo.gl/images/XtHZ9g
https://goo.gl/images/5PpnVn
Hi Donna! How about something like this?
https://smile.amazon.com/Park-Hill-Cast-Mounted-Sculpture/dp/B07DNJVGNK/ref=sr_1_128?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1541437449&sr=1-128&keywords=animal+head+wall+decor
after you have enough cow head pictures to be sure you know what one looks like, use wire hangers and/or lightweight chicken wire fencing to build an armature in general shape of cow's head. you can add balled up aluminum foil for cheeks or horns or other areas you need to build up. Then - if this will be used INSIDE - buy expired plaster bandage rolls - like casts for broken bones are made from - from a surgical supply house - they might give it to you if it is expired. (you could use papier mache but plaster bandage is WAY easier!) Dampen sections, cover your wire armature with it - allow each section to dry - build up layers until it looks cow-like! be sure to incorporate a hanging hook to the back wired into the frame/armature before it's all covered up! Paint with acrylics, spray with Krylon - matte will look more cow-authentic than glossy! Dare I say, cow-a-bunga!
LOL, love the idea, I may have to give it a go!
Hello Donna,
I just visited Switzerland in September, what an extraordinary idea. I would consider a structural underlayment beginning witha fabrication with taping up water bottles, pool noodles or styrofoam to shape the head, place ears on with cardboard, then paper mache it. Paint or finish as desired. Mount the project on a wood plaque.
My son likes cows and Im working on painting him a cow ( everything on his tree has to be blue) with a Swiss stocknagel.
Hope you consider posting the project here!
Wishing you fun and sucessful creativity!
Thank you so much for the ideas and encouragement. Good luck with your painting!