Mighty Midland Mantis

May 22nd, 2013

 

Completed a 5 ½ foot tall praying mantis sculpture for the 2013 Summer Sculpture Series Downtown Midland.

 

The big guy will be delivered this week and all things considered it was a very fun project.

 

The “Mighty Midland Mantis” was constructed from ½ inch pieces of plywood that were designed to fit together using minimum hardware.

 

The project was very much like assembling a large wood puzzle.

 

The sculpture will be displayed in the downtown are of the city during June, July, August and September.

 

Click here for construction photos.

 

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2013 Summer Workshops

May 11th, 2013

 

This summer is packed with fun and exciting papier mache workshops brought to you by the new STOLLOWEEN Studio at 718 George Street in Midland, Michigan.

 

 

STOLLOWEEN Studio is an inspired work space created for the sole purpose of bringing imagination to life through papier mache. In addition to being a working studio, the facility is also a classroom offering a variety of workshops allowing students to create projects from start to finish.

 

 

STOLLOWEEN Studio is open to anyone with a desire to create. Papier mache is a simple medium very capable of producing stunning results even for the first time user. The knowledge, experience and resources available in the studio are second to none.

 

 

-Instructor with over 30 years experience in television production and papier mache.

-Large, comfortable and well lit workspace.

-Comprehensive reference library including hundreds of books and publications.

-Gallery displaying many diverse papier mache projects.

-Well stocked equipment and material room.

 

The 2013 Summer Workshop Series includes: 

 

Severed Zombie Heads

Papier Mache Workshop

 

 

Ever since I was a kid I loved zombies – I thought they were the best things ever and that was way before it was cool to like zombies.

 

Join us for four evenings of icky, sticky, rotted zombie building fun. Participants create their own life-sized severed zombie head using a variety of papier mache techniques and commonly found recycled items. During the workshop we will watch and discuss some classic zombie films, occasionally stopping to dissect some of our favorite scenes.

 

 

This unique experience is recommended for those 16 years and older. The workshops can be physically demanding requiring participants to stand, kneel,  lift and work in uncomfortable positions. Papier mache can be a bit messy so please dress accordingly. The class uses a variety of non-hazardous materials such as flour, glue and joint compound, as well as latex and acrylic paints.

 

Workshop cost is $100 per person which includes all tools and materials.

 

You are encouraged to bring your own drink and snack. No alcoholic beverages please.  Call (989) 750-6457 to register. Payment is due at the first class. Class size is limited to 8 seats. 

 

Severed Zombie Heads Workshop #1

Tuesday, May 21st. 6pm – 9pm

Thursday, May 23rd. 6pm – 9pm

Tuesday, May 28th. 6pm – 9pm

Thursday, May 30th.  6pm – 9pm

 

Severed Zombie Heads Workshop #2

Tuesday, June 4th. 6pm – 9pm

Thursday, June 6th.  6pm – 9pm

Tuesday, June 11th. 6pm – 9pm

Thursday, June 13th. 6pm – 9pm

 

Severed Zombie Heads Workshop #3

Monday, June 17th.  6pm – 9pm

Wednesday, June 19th.  6pm – 9pm

Monday, June 24th. 6pm – 9pm

Wednesday, June 26th.  6pm – 9pm

 

Severed Zombie Heads Workshop #4

- Weekend Warrior Edition

Saturday, July 13th.   1pm – 4pm

Sunday, July 14th.  1pm – 4pm

Saturday, July 20th.  1pm – 4pm

Sunday, July 21st.  1pm – 4pm

 

Severed Zombie Heads Workshop #5

Monday, August 5th.  6pm – 9pm

Wednesday, August 7th.  6pm – 9pm

Monday, August 12th. 6pm – 9pm

Wednesday, August 14th.  6pm – 9pm

 

Severed Zombie Heads Workshop #6

- Weekend Warrior Edition

Saturday, August 17th.   1pm – 4pm

Sunday, August 18th.   1pm – 4pm

Saturday, August 24th.   1pm – 4pm

Sunday, August 25th.  1pm – 4pm

 

Severed Zombie Heads Workshop #7

Tuesday, August 20th.   6pm – 9pm

Thursday, August 22nd.   6pm – 9pm

Tuesday, August 27th.  6pm – 9pm

Thursday, August 29th.  6pm – 9pm

 

 

Dragon Masters

Papier Mache Workshop

 

 

 

Dragons have always fascinated me, a beautiful mix of power, grace and danger. Join us for four days of Dragon building fun as each participant will create their very own sleek flying dragon. The finished sculptures are large featuring a 28 inch wingspan and four foot long body. The dragon construction uses several different papier mache techniques and utilizes a variety of recycled items such as plastic bottles, newspaper and cardboard.

 

 

This unique experience is recommended for those 16 years and older. The workshops can be physically demanding requiring participants to stand, kneel,  lift and work in uncomfortable positions. Papier mache can be a bit messy so please dress accordingly. The class uses a variety of non-hazardous materials such as flour, glue and joint compound, as well as latex and acrylic paints.

 

Workshop cost is $100 per person which includes all tools and materials.

 

You are encouraged to bring your own drink and snack. No alcoholic beverages please. Call (989) 750-6457 to register. Payment is due at the first class. Class size is limited to 6 seats.

 

Dragon Master  Workshop #1

Monday, June 3rd.   1pm – 4pm

Wednesday, June 5th.  1pm – 4pm

Monday, June 10th. 1pm – 4pm

Wednesday, June 12th.  1pm – 4pm

 

Dragon Master Workshop #2

Tuesday, June 18th. 1pm – 4pm

Thursday, June 20th.  1pm – 4pm

Tuesday, June 25th.  1pm – 4pm

Thursday, June 27th. 1pm – 4pm

 

Dragon Master  Workshop #3

Monday, July 8th. 6pm – 9pm.

Wednesday, July 10th. 6pm – 9pm.

Monday, July 15th. 6pm – 9pm.

Wednesday, July 17th. 6pm – 9pm.

 

Dragon Master Workshop #4

Tuesday, August 6th. 1pm – 4pm

Thursday, August 8th.  1pm – 4pm

Tuesday, August 13th.   1pm – 4pm

Thursday, August 15th.  1pm – 4pm

 

 

The Great Pumpkin

Papier Mache Workshop

 

 

 

This is your chance to start building some great Jack O’Lantern props for Halloween. The July Pumpkin Workshop will allow participants to create their own large pumpkin complete with an elaborate carved face of their choosing. Past workshops have proven to be a very fun and enjoyable experience all while learning many different papier mache techniques.

 

 

This unique experience is recommended for those 16 years and older. The workshops can be physically demanding requiring participants to stand, kneel, lift and work in uncomfortable positions. Papier mache can be a bit messy so please dress accordingly. The class uses a variety of non-hazardous materials such as flour, glue and joint compound, as well as latex and acrylic paints.

 

Workshop cost is $100 per person which includes all tools and materials.

 

You are encouraged to bring your own drink and snack. No alcoholic beverages please. Call (989) 750-6457 to register. Payment is due at the first class. Class is limited to 8 seats.

 

The Great Pumpkin  Workshop #1

Tuesday, July 23rd.   6pm – 9pm

Thursday, July 25th.   6pm – 9pm

Tuesday, July 30th.   6pm – 9pm.

Thursday, August 1st. 6pm – 9pm

 

Additional Classes in development:

 

 

Kid’s Monster Factory

Papier Mache Workshop

 

As a child I used to draw monsters and as an adult I continue to doodle monsters every chance I get. This is very special class designed for children 6 to 12 years old who along with an accompanying adult will use their imagination to draw a monster then turn that artwork into a fabulous papier mache sculpture.

 

During the first two hour session we will look at inspirational monsters in movies and books such as Monsters Inc., Where the Wild Things Are and the Dr. Suess books, then create a drawing and start constructing the sculpture. The second and third sessions will use papier mache and the final class will be painting.

 

The workshops can be physically demanding requiring participants to stand, kneel, lift and work in uncomfortable positions. Papier mache can be a bit messy so please dress accordingly. The class uses a variety of non-hazardous materials such as flour, glue and joint compound, as well as latex and acrylic paints.

 

Workshop cost is $100 per adult and child duo which includes all tools and materials.

 

You are encouraged to bring your own drink and snack. No alcoholic beverages please. Call (989) 750-6457 to register. Payment is due at the first class. Class is limited to 5 adult and child duos.

 

 

Kid’s Monster Factory Workshop #1

Tuesday, July 9th. 1pm – 3pm

Thursday, July 11th.   1pm – 3pm

Tuesday, July 16th.  1pm – 3pm

Thursday, July 18th.  1pm – 3pm

 

 

Kid’s Monster Factory Workshop #2

Monday, July 22nd. 1pm – 3pm

Wednesday, July 24th.   1pm – 3pm

Monday, July 29th.  1pm – 3pm

Wednesday, July 31st.  1pm – 3pm

 

 

Kid’s Monster Factory Workshop #3

Monday, August 19th. 1pm – 3pm

Wednesday, August 21st.   1pm – 3pm

Monday, August 26th.  1pm – 3pm

Wednesday, August 28th.  1pm – 3pm

 

 

Tribal Fusion

Papier Mache Workshop

 

Take a quick trip around the world and explore masks from a variety of different cultures then mash-up your favorite elements and designs to create your very own tribal mask. The two day workshop will allow participants to design and construct a large mask suitable for decorative display. Due to the lengthy drying time involved in this project there is a one week gap between each session.

 

This unique experience is recommended for those 16 years and older. The workshops can be physically demanding requiring participants to stand, kneel, lift and work in uncomfortable positions. Papier mache can be a bit messy so please dress accordingly. The class uses a variety of non-hazardous materials such as flour, glue and joint compound, as well as latex and acrylic paints.

 

Workshop cost is $80 per person which includes all tools and materials.

 

You are encouraged to bring your own drink and snack. No alcoholic beverages please. Call (989) 750-6457 to register. Payment is due at the first class. Class size is limited to 8 seats.

 

Tribal Fusion Workshop #1

Friday, June 21st.   1pm – 4pm

Friday, June 28th.   1pm – 3pm

 

Tribal Fusion Workshop #2

Friday, August 2nd.   1pm – 4pm

Friday, August 9th.   1pm – 3pm

 

The workshops typically fill quickly so reserve your seat today, I hope you have the chance to experience these unique and very fun classes.  Have a great summer!

 

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Forty Favorite Photos

January 17th, 2013

While doing some work which required me to browse through my collection of Halloween and prop photos I selected forty of my favorites presented here in no particular order.

 

Click the above photo to see the collection.

 

 

 

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Enjoy The Season

December 2nd, 2012

Enjoy the season! Click the photo to see the entire zombie snowflake gallery and get the link to the instructions.

 

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Black Gate Gallery

November 2nd, 2012

Posted a collection of photos from our Halloween 2012 display called “Black Gate.” 

 

You can view the entire gallery here.

 

 

 

 

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Black Gate

October 16th, 2012

Due to the weather our display is now closed for the season, thanks to everyone that had a chance to stop by and have a fun and safe Halloween!

 

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GateKeeper Tutorial

October 15th, 2012

 

 

The GateKeepers are large gargoyle/demon/alien hybrids that stand guard at the gate of our 2012 Halloween Display. Based on a sketch I created this past summer these creatures are made from papier mache over a wood form. 

 

Complete documentation of the process can be found here.

 
 

 

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Faux Wrought Iron Fence Tutorial

October 14th, 2012

 

Added a Faux Wrought Iron Fence tutorial that uses wood, PVC and foam to create a creepy old fence to dress up your Halloween display. The process is fairly simple and the results are quite impressive.

The complete instructions can be found here.


 

 

 

 

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Remaining Pumpkin Stock

September 26th, 2012

A quick shot of the remaining papier mache pumpkins still available in my Etsy shop. All orders for this Halloween must be placed by October 12th.

 

Go to my Etsy shop here.

 

 

 

 

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Demon Gargoyles (Work in Progress)

August 27th, 2012

 

Currently working a set of demonic style gargoyles based on a simple sketch or abbozo I did one late night while doodling by candlelight.

 

 

The heads are basically done and the wings will be complete once clay is added and detailed.

The heads were built from a half section of an inflated balloon covered in papier mache strips with the mouth, ears and teeth formed from recycled cardboard.

 

 

 

Each wing was cut from a piece of corrugated cardboard then coated with several layers of strip mache…the tips of the wings were bent into an upward position and supported during the drying process to give a nice three dimensional shape as opposed to just being flat.

 

 

The next step will be to give the wings some interesting veining and texturing although I’m not quite sure what medium I will use to achieve this effect.

 

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