DIY Gargoyle

Papier mache gargolyes make for unique home decor

Gargoyles have adorned European cathedrals for centuries, serving a practical purpose (gutters that redirected rain) and a spiritual one (warding off of evil spirits and demons.) Some hypothesize that they also were reminders of the state and terror that parishioners could find themselves in if they fell into sin and temptation. The fact remains that gargoyles persist as a strong symbol and a bold choice for home decor.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Bucket
• Large spoon
• Strainer
• Paper mache paste
• Chicken wire
• Paint

Instructions

1. Make the papier mache with which you will sculpt your gargoyle. Shred the newspaper into small pieces. Fill bucket with these pieces, until there is enough material to complete your project.

2. Add warm water until all the paper is covered.

3. Let it sit overnight.

4. Look through pictures of gargoyles for inspiration, and find one that appeals to you. You will be making the figure from scratch, out of chicken wire, so pay attention to shapes you will need to form when you make the framework.

5. Using chicken wire, make a rough model of your gargoyle. The details will be filled in with papier mache. It doesn't have to be perfect. Mistakes can be corrected with the pulp and gargoyles are naturally ugly anyway.

6. Check on your pulp to ensure it is thick and has a consistent texture.

7. Mix it up with the spoon, until it is evenly mashed. Strain out all the water, squeezing the last bit out with your hands. This substance should now be mixed with the papier mache paste, according to the directions on the box. Mixed, it should resemble clay.

8. Strain out all the water, squeezing the last bit out with your hands.

9. Blend the paper with the papier mache paste according to the directions on the box until it resembles smooth clay.

10. Cover your wire model with the paper mache.

11. Once the wire is covered, use papier mache pulp to build the embellishments you want, mounding it up to form features like horns, claws and bulging eyeballs. Your imagination is your only limit in creating your own fantastical creature.

12. Wait three to five days for the sculpture to dry completely.

13. Repair any cracks with leftover papier mache paste.

14. Paint your creation, if you wish, once completely dry.

References

• The Dead End: Goliath Papier Mache Gargoyle
• incredible @rt Deparmtent: "Paper Mache Grotesques/Gargoyles;" Cathy Gaul
• Cockeyed Presents: Papier Mache Satan

Resources

• Washington University Libraries: Gargoyle Gallery