Paper Mache Dragon Sculpture

Merikay MacKenna creates whimsical creatures using paper mache and fabric.

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Filed under: Fabrics, Crafts

Merikay MacKenna works with animals, but not in a way that most people would guess. She creates them herself out of paper mache and fabrics. She even conjures up her own whimsical creatures, like these dragons.

MacKenna starts with a pre-built form that she uses as the skeleton for her paper mache. She layers the mache until it is fairly thick, and then lets it dry. The form is then removed, leaving a paper mache shell that makes up the head, body and beginning of the tail of the dragon. The hands, feet and tail tip are then hand built and added to the body. Tail spikes are made from toothpicks and Paris craft and added on along the spine ridge. Wings are formed with bamboo sticks and cardboard and then attached to the body.

Once the body and all its elements are complete and dry, fabrics are added to give the dragon color and life. Fabric is folded and glued along the chest, and then scales are individually placed over the rest of the body. Facial features are sculpted with fabric and glue until the dragon has expression. The base that the dragon sits on is also paper mache. After it is formed, the dragon body is attached to this base, creating one piece of the two. The base is then coated in a plaster and india ink mixture and covered in pirate's bounty. Then the base is covered in an epoxy resin to keep the entire piece looking bright and shiny.

The dragon is wonderful for kids and really fun to have around. MacKenna puts a lot of her own exuberant personality into all of her work and truly enjoys the fun and whimsy she can bring to other people with her work in their homes.