People have been asking how to cover a styrofoam mannequin head with papier mache. I have mannequins listed on Etsy and Artfire, so I am guessing these people want to copy my technique and make their own. I mentioned this to my husband, who is known for his wit, and he instantly replied, "First, take a wire brush and give the styrofoam a good scrubbing. Next, take some battery acid..."

I'm pretty sure you can see why I married him.

I have seven mannequins left, most of them papier mache, so I am reluctant to impart my techniques just yet. If you can make one, why would you buy one from me? But maybe after all my mannequins are sold, I will write a tutorial. It is a fair amount of work and my papier mache skills have evolved over time, so with the exception of people who have used this craft technique before, I'm not sure this project is for everyone.

I began in papier mache...oh, don't roll your eyes like that! You tell long stories, too! And anyway, my stories are funnier than yours. Nyah. I began making papier mache puppets as a child. My mother had a lengthy magazine article about how to make puppet heads, sew costumes for them, construct a stage and so on. There was even a storyline, a cohesive theme and an actual script to go with these puppets. But mostly I remember the puppets.

OMG. I was going to write a tutorial about how to make puppets but I suddenly realized that I would like to make puppets and sell them. Rats. Jotting this down as idea #572 and I don't know when I will get around to the first 571 on the list. Never mind that I can barely walk through my yarn studio or my inventory room. Gotta go!

"Good" birthday cards are $2 or $4 at the drugstore, yet the inexpensive fifty-cent cards from the party stores are sort of flimsy and generic. Although I do buy those, I think it's really more fun and very easy to make my own.

Here's a fast and simple way to make cards. You will need 8 1/2 x 11 inch card stock or heavy paper from a business supply store or even Walmart. Cut the sheets in half so that they are 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches. Or you can trim recycled or new file folders into the appropriate shape. When folded, it will be 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches.

For the envelope, you can buy what they call A2 or invitation sized envelopes. Ask someone at the business supply store where to find the A2's or read the shelf tags. An A2 envelope is 4 3/8 x 5 3/4 inches. Columbian makes a very nice grip-seal envelope that I like. Your folded cards will fit in here with a little room to spare.

Take an old book filled with illustrations and cut out pictures that are smaller than 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches, or the front of your card(s). You may as well make more than one card, because then you will have a supply handy when you need one. The best illustrations are from very old books or children's books. If the picture makes you smile, you are on the right track. If you can think of a witty caption to go with the picture, go ahead and write that on the front or inside the card.

Glue the picture to the front of the card. I like to use a can of spray adhesive for this purpose, available at office supply and art supply stores. But a glue stick will work well and so will rubber cement. Elmer's white glue in a squirt bottle will also work, but be sure to brush it on in smooth even strokes so it won't warp your illustration. You can use a Q-tip for this purpose and then throw it away when you are finished. Or use a paintbrush and wash it out well afterwards.

Take a gel or glitter pen to write a caption and/or Happy Birthday inside. Use the same pen to write the address on the envelope. Or just use a regular pen, if you like. A felt-tip pen is nicer than ballpoint.

Voila! Your handmade card is far more personal and carries some of your wit along with it to the recipient.

Variations:

If you don't want to invest in card stock, you can also take an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper and fold it in half, then in half again. You will end up with the same size and it will fit easily in the A2 envelope.

If you don't want to cut up a book, borrow a small child to color pictures on the cards. Everyone will think they're adorable.

You can also cut up old Christmas or birthday cards, or gift wrap, and re-use the illustrations.  If you choose gift wrap and you are using white glue out of a squirt bottle, it is even more important to smooth out the glue to avoid bulges and bubbles.

And of course, you can cut out illustrations off your computer and printer. As long as the card is for your personal use--not to be resold--you should not run into problems with copyright infringement, but to be on the safe side, read the information on the web site for any legal issues.  Or look for free illustrations and shareware. 

 

Last but not least, don't overlook how thrilled Grandma would be to get a card with a grandchild's photo on the front.

 

Cardmakers: I realize this information is a big yawn for you.  But to other crafters out there, I promise you, if you can make a batch of soap or jewelry, this will be a piece of cake for you.

 

dj runnels