How to Replicate National Monuments
Monuments have a unique place in a national consciousness. Whether honoring celebrated individuals (the Lincoln Memorial) or abstract concepts (the Statue of Liberty), they are inextricably entwined with the belief system of the nation they are from. Each national monument also has the power to stir even the most cynical of spectators. In a few simple steps, you can make a small paper mache replica of a national monument.
Instructions
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Acquire as many photographic perspectives (frontal, rear, side) of the monument as possible. Sketch the national monument from available images. Make two drawings (an outline and a more detailed sketch).
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Measure the scale of the monument against the replica. Depending on the monument and the size of the replica, you will have to make adjustments. For a hand size replica of the Statue of Liberty, each 100 feet should equal one inch.
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Divide the drawings into sections. The replica can be broken into an easier to produce project. You can spend more time crafting each section, before putting them together.
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Shape the chicken wire to resemble the outlined sketch of the monument. It will be adequate, as long as the chicken wire approximates the general shape of the monument.
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Cut out a piece of 1/2" plywood to serve as the replica's base. Drill very small holes through the plywood. Fix the chicken wire "skeleton" to the plywood by pulling string through the holes in the plywood and tying them together under the base.
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Place a light coat of paper mache around the chicken wire. Paper mache can be made by soaking pieces of paper in a mix of diluted water. While still wet, place the strips of paper onto the wire. The heavier the paper is, the more stable it will be.
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Sculpt the coat of mache with a scalpel or a pruning knife. Make the monument resemble the monument's details as closely as possible. Add a glob more of mache if you take off too much.
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Paint the sculpted coat of mache. Most national monuments are green or gray. The more detailed you can be with the color, the better the replica will be. Discolored specs or uneven coloring will seem more realistic than a consistent color.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
