A mannequin is a thing that depicts and models the figure of the human body. You can make a mannequin head from a variety of materials, for example, papier-mâché, plastic, foam, wood and other various materials.
Method 1 - from papier-mâché
To make a papier-mâché head, you will need a balloon that will need to be inflated to the desired size of your desired head or a little smaller. Next, you need to use a metal can with the contents of sand, onto which an already inflated balloon is attached. For fastening, adhesive tape is most often used, which will help in aligning and shaping the head and neck.
To prepare the papier-mâché mass, water and flour are most often used in a 1:1 ratio, but the solution should be thick for more convenient work. It is recommended to work in the fresh air or in a well-ventilated room.
Then you need to prepare strips measuring 5 by 15 cm, cut from newspapers, which, dipped in the resulting solution, begin to be glued to the balloon and jar, smoothing and giving the desired shape.
After the dummy has completely dried, it is necessary to reapply a second layer of newspapers soaked in a solution of water and flour, and repeat this two more times. Using large pieces of newspaper and a sticky mold, you can form a nose, ears, and eyes. Then a large piece of newspaper, soaked in the solution, is applied to the mannequin’s face in one layer and left until completely dry.
For coating, sticky aerosols are most often used, which need to be covered in a thin layer, as well as colored and bright paints for painting the mannequin. After the dummy has completely dried, it is ready for use.
For the head of a mannequin made of foam, you need to buy it in specialized stores; most often they are white and already have pronounced facial shapes. Next, you need to choose the color of the desired paper and decoupage glue.
First, a thin layer of glue is applied to the mannequin, then colored paper, and then again a layer of glue, which is smoothed out using a special brush. After drying, the mannequin is ready to work and display accessories.
But it is worth paying attention to the fact that a mannequin made of foam plastic is very light, which in turn may not withstand some types of jewelry and hats. Therefore, you need to prepare in advance a convenient and suitable wooden stand, which can be easily purchased at a store with an art assortment.
In the modern world, various carnival events and parties are often held, in which a carnival mask is often used.
Initially, you need to make a head figure, which will greatly simplify the process of making a carnival mask. To do this, we will need nylon tights, which, when put on your head, be sure to cut small holes for free breathing, then carefully seal the entire surface of your face with adhesive tape, repeating this step 2-4 times.
Next, you need to make a small cut in the back and remove the form, after which the cut is sealed with tape. It is also recommended to fill the mold inside with clay, plaster or other available material. The mannequin should be poured gradually, giving each layer time to harden. Most often it is recommended to dry the mannequin on a cloth or any soft surface. After complete drying, all that remains is to paint and decorate as you wish.
A little time, imagination and the necessary materials will help you create an original mask that will attract the attention of others.
Method 2 – mannequin for hats made from a ball
You will need:
- old newspapers;
- balloon;
- paper. Choose a dense one;
- glue. Better than regular PVA;
- brush;
- scotch;
- Crochet hook;
- tape measure;
- jute twine.
The base from which the mannequin will then appear should be made using the papier-mâché technique. First, inflate the balloon. Its volume should correspond to the approximate size of the head, about 57 cm. Attach the resulting head to the neck. A sheet of paper acts as a neck; it must first be twisted. The human head is at a certain angle in relation to the neck. So you need to try to accomplish the same.
Before you start sculpting papier-mâché, glue the ball to the made cylinder using tape.
Start cutting or tearing unnecessary newspapers as you see fit, and paste over the workpiece, gradually covering it with one layer after another. Make each subsequent layer a different shade or texture so that you can evenly cover the entire ball without missing any areas. To speed up the drying process, place a heater near the mannequin. After several layers have completely dried, cut off the tails and seal the hole.
After applying the final layer of paper, be sure to dry the mannequin thoroughly. Use jute twine as decoration. It is necessary to knit a long chain of air loops. Then lubricate the mannequin with glue and begin wrapping it with the resulting chain. Start from the neck, gradually moving towards the crown, ending with a spiral. The work is finished, now you have your own mannequin for hats.
Method 2 - foam mannequin
Another method for making a mannequin for hats is to use foam plastic. To create such a product you will need a ready-made head. You need to purchase a foam mannequin head. Find them in an art store. They are white and have real facial features.
Next, you should do decoupage. This is a special technique in which objects are covered with pieces of paper. Choose suitable paper for this purpose. These could be pages from newspapers or magazines, or special paper for this purpose. To make decoupage, cut the paper into strips. There should be a big pile and a lot of paper will be needed.
Take a foam brush and wet the top of the mannequin's head with decoupage glue. Place strips of paper on these areas so that there are no white spots left.
Another layer of decoupage glue is applied on top of these strips of paper. All irregularities and edges should be smoothed out with a brush. Then you will achieve an even and smooth paper coating. Please note that once completely dry, you will no longer be able to smooth out the edges. Therefore, it is important to do this immediately and quickly, before everything dries. But don't rush, otherwise you might ruin everything even more.
Continue covering the mannequin with pieces of paper. Lubricate the product with decoupage glue and lay the strips. Use small pieces to cover the areas around the mouth, nose and eyes. It will also be easier to tape off these areas.
When you're done with the top of the head, take a break. It is necessary to give this area time to dry, as indicated on the decoupage glue package. When everything is completely dry, secure the top in a large bowl. It must be sustainable. This way it will be easier for you to glue everything around the edges. After you are done with all parts of the head, wait a while for it to dry completely.
The next step is to choose a stand
You can use any reliable, sturdy object that can hold the mannequin's head in place while placing the headdress on it. This could be an antique plate or a wooden stand that you can buy from an art store. You cannot do without this additional product, because foam heads are light and therefore unstable.
Using hot glue, connect the stand and decorative head. Wait for everything to dry.
It is recommended to do all the work on creating the head in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, because the whole process is dirty.
Method 3 – polyurethane foam head
To make a similar mannequin take:
- polyurethane foam;
- wooden beam with a diameter of 3 cm;
- wooden plank;
- saw and drill;
- one screw, 6 cm;
- screwdriver and knife;
- dense fabric, can be replaced with velvet;
- instant glue;
- a construction helmet or any semicircular container.
Take a regular bag and put it in your helmet. Fill the resulting container with polyurethane foam. It is not recommended to fill the container completely. The foam becomes several times larger in size, so fill only half the container. When the foam on top begins to harden, turn it over. This way it will dry evenly.
After the foam has completely dried, remove it from the helmet and bag. Put everything aside. Start building the foundation. To do this, take a round block and drill a hole in it. Then saw off the base to the required size. 7 cm is enough. Drill a hole in the base as well. Combine the resulting parts into one design.
To give an attractive look and disguise it a little with material. Use your chosen thick fabric or velvet. First, determine how long the timber material is needed and cut the piece. Using glue, attach the fabric to the block.
Return to the foam blank again. Take it and start shaping it. This can be done using a knife, cutting off the roundness with it. Gradually, the head of the desired shape will emerge.
When everything is ready, take the product and cut a hole with a diameter of 2.5 cm and a depth of approximately 6 cm. Lubricate the beam with glue and insert it into the resulting head. Press down on the product so that it fits tightly and does not wobble.
The final touch will be covering the head with material. Stretch the selected fabric at the top and secure it at the bottom with tape or sew.
Using the methods listed above, you can create a good mannequin for hats yourself.In addition, you can decorate the product to your liking, giving free rein to your imagination.
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