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.
August 9th, 2012
Legacy Art Studio and Gallery and STOLLOWEEN present The Great Pumpkin Workshop II in Midland, Michigan.
You have never built a pumpkin like this before!
Join us in September for The Great Pumpkin Workshop II where you will create your very own papier mache pumpkin over the course of four evenings.
This workshop will teach a variety of papier mache techniques including a new process that has never been made public until now.
Participants will learn everything they need to know about building armatures, mixing paste, working with paper clay and utilizing different painting techniques.
The class is fun, fast paced and chances are good you will make a few new friends during the process. There are only ten seats available for this workshop which allows for a personalized experience.
All tools and materials are supplied and no experience required.
Cost is $100 per person.
Tuesday, September 11th: 6-9pm
Thursday, September 13th: 6-9pm
Tuesday, September 18th: 6-9pm
Thursday, September 20th: 6-9pm
Participants will need to use a variety of tools such as scissors, sharp tools and hot glue guns.
The class is somewhat physical requiring standing, bending and lifting during each three hour session. Please wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.
The workshop uses wheat flour based paste, joint compound and latex paint and may be unsuitable for those sensitive to these materials. No toxic materials are used.
The Great Pumpkin Workshop II is recommended for ages 16 and up.
If you register and are unable to attend please notify us at least 72 hours prior to the first class so we can fill your spot in the workshop
To register please contact Hannah Manges at 989-835-1655.
July 1st, 2012
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the spookiest of them all? The choice is yours with these unique double faced papier mache pumpkin.
A party in the front, a nightmare in the back, to get the full effect check out this video on youtube.
June 13th, 2012
Some new pumpkins now available in my Etsy Shop.
January 28th, 2012
Click the photo to view 100 pumpkin concepts posted on Tortured Pumpkins.
Once you are on the Tortured Pumpkin site you can click each pumpkin concept photo to open the design template in a new window.
October 29th, 2011
We decked out our back yard in a very scary fashion. Saturday, October 29th will be the only night to view our Halloween display. This year the props are in the back yard along with a roaring fire, s’more fixings and other assorted treats. Dress warm and help us celebrate our favorite holiday.
Please park across the street and use caution crossing the road as it is currently under construction. The display is scheduled to operate from 7pm until 10pm weather permitting. Please email me if you need our address or further information.
October 9th, 2011
There are two approaches I take when building a project. The first is working from preconceived designs such as sketches or photos and the second is creating freeform where I just wing it and let the project go where it needs to go.
Here are some examples of projects that were built from concept art. Some examples are well refined designs and some are very loose sketches representing the desired goal.
Gourdon Rotsworth
Buster Gravesly
Boris The Bolter
Charles McScardeylantern designed by Jasper Anderson
Pirate Skulls
Sir Rip D. Fleshkin designed by Breck Torres and Dustin Obermeyer
Arsenic Asylum
Character Tombstones
Witches
October 9th, 2011
Ten Tortured Pumpkins were added to the STOLLOWEEN Etsy Shop, this is probably the last of the Halloween offerings for the season.
“Not sure what contaminated the soil in this year’s pumpkin patch but whatever it was it resulted in these pumpkins arriving D.O.P…..Dead On Picking.
These pumpkins are made from recycled materials and several different papier mache techniques resulting in a completely unique addition to your Halloween décor.
Designed for interior use only these tortured gourds were painted with latex and acrylic paints then sealed with oil based stain resulting in a dark primitive feel.
Each pumpkin contains a “Stem Tag” featuring the name, date and signature by yours truly.”
