Paper-mache Sculpted Elephant Bust Tutorial

by Borei Design

From Anthropologie to Pottery Barn, colorful faux animal busts are popping up everywhere. I decided to come up with my own design......

papier m ch sculpted elephant bust tutorial, crafts

I started with a cardboard box and cut out an elephant shape.

I cut it out and padded it with junk mail, scrap copy paper, leftover wrapping paper and etc.

I taped all the padding together with masking tape to help hold it into place.

Then I added strips of paper dipped in paper mache paste in several layers, adding small tusks, small ears and a backing along the way.

Once the project was totally dry I finished it it up using more wrapping paper in a cute print.

I then painted the eyes and tusks using acrylic paint. When the paint dried I sealed the entire thing with Satin Finish Mod Podge added a hanger to the back and she was done!

My design (which I've named Ellie) cost a me a total $5 to produce versus the $128 (sale) purchase price at Anthropologie. I made her for my daughter's room and she adores her. She likes to use the hook of her trunk to hang scarves, necklaces and etc. I you enjoy her too. If you would like more details and a free copy of the pattern I drew up when making her, be sure to check the full blog post on my site. Happy Crafting my friends!

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4 comments

Hannah V on Oct 19, 2015
No way this is SO cool!

1 Reply
- Borei Design on Oct 19, 2015
  @Hannah V Thanks, Hannah! I've been eyeballing the Anthropologie version for my daughter's room for quite a while. This ended up better in the end! I was sooooo happy! :)
  
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Miriam Illions on Oct 20, 2015
That is really cool! I promise I wrote that before i glanced at Hannah's comment.

1 Reply
- Borei Design on Oct 20, 2015
  @Miriam I Double the "cool" is great for me! :)
  
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