Papier-Mache Monsters: Turn Trinkets and Trash into Magnificent Monstrosities [Paperback]

Dan Reeder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009 | Age Range: 10 and up

Celebrated monster-making master Dan Reeder is at it again-helping others to let out their inner monsters! All that's needed are a few simple materials and a wild imagination. Reeder guarantees success if the tried-and-tested, goof-proof how-to steps in this humorous read are followed. But there's more-he's also giving away all of his secrets for creating ghoulish monster elements such as jaws, claws, horns, scales, webbing, tentacles, eyeballs, fingers, toes, gnarly hands and feet, and drool-yes-perfect DROOL!

Dan Reeder has been building papier- and cloth mâché monsters for more than three decades. He is the author of The Simple Screamer: A Guide to the Art of Papier and Cloth Mâché, and Make Something Ugly for a Change: The Definitive Guide to Papier and Cloth Mâché. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Learn more secrets at papermachemonsters.com.
Step-by-step instructions for creating papier-mâché monstrosities

Editorial Reviews

Review

For lovers of the truly grotesque, Reeder (Make Something Ugly for a Change) provides detailed photo instructions for large figures constructed of clothes hangers, newspaper, and glue. Cloth skin, teeth, and slathered-on paint finish them off. The toothy dragons are particularly effective.

(Roy Futterman, Advertising Director School Library Journal/ Library Journal 20091019)

I first met Dan Reeder over twenty-five years ago, while strolling through an art fair in our shared hometown. I was, I remember, bored out of my mind and heading back to my car, when I suddenly caught a glimpse of something out ahead of me, hanging high in an artist's booth. My adrenalin started flowing. Boredom had morphed into pure desire. I could have knocked someone down as I made my way toward the object of my instant affection, and when I finally stood almost directly under it, I found myself gazing up at a large ochre-colored, multi-fanged, drool-festooned, wall-eyed dragon. Be still my heart. And as I looked around the booth, I saw other humorous-but-also-edgy-looking beasts. I had entered the world of Dan Reeder, and I suppose, looking back on it now, it was inevitable that we would quickly become good friends. (I think Dan and I make each other feel normal.)

Fast-forwarding to the present time, I initially thought Dan was a little crazy for writing a how-to book that reveals all his secrets on how to make such unique creatures from such un-unique materials. (Personally, I would never show anyone how to draw a cow-the udders alone took me years to master.) But he assured me he really wanted to do this. I guess it's the teacher in him. And, in truth, I'm not one to argue that the world doesn't need more monsters, be they made of papier and/or cloth maché, as demonstrated in Dan's entertaining new book, or flesh and blood, as demonstrated by the one standing behind you right now.

(P.S. Yes, I bought the dragon.)

(Gary Larson, Farside Creator Farside 20091023)

From the Back Cover

Celebrated monster-making master Dan Reeder is at it again in Papier-Mâché Monsters, helping you create cool monsters from just a few simple materials and goof-proof steps for guaranteed success. Plus, there's more-you'll have access to all of Reeder's secrets for creating must-have monster elements, such as jaws, claws, horns, scales, webbing, tentacles, eyeballs, fingers, toes, gnarly hands and feet, and even perfect DROOL! Learn how to make a basic monster and you'll be well on your way to creating more hideous creatures, beasts, dragons, and whatever else your dark side can think of!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423605551
• ISBN-13: 978-1423605553
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.4 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #356,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hello. My name is Dan Reeder. I am a paper mâché artist living in Seattle, Washington. I have been doing my own non-traditional version of paper mâché for four decades. I've published several books on the subject. My latest, "Papier Mâché Monsters: Turning Trinkets and Trash into Magnificent Monstrosities", is the most comprehensive. It will tell you everything you need to know to make some really great art. I also love making dragons. If you are interested in this particular theme, check out my "Dragon-Maker's Handbook." This gives step-by-step instructions on how to make a fantastic dragon.

My goal for many years has been to change the face of paper mâché from one of balloons and piggy banks to a medium with unlimited possibilities. Please check out my website, GourmetPaperMache.com, and my blog, PaperMacheBlog.com.

While paper mâché is my claim to fame, I'm most proud of my children's book, "William's Treasure." This is a story about a little dragon who lives a simple, carefree life. That is, until he encounters a mega-store during one of his wanderings. He life changes as he accumulates (hoards) all manner of "stuff."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book! August 12, 2009

By ArtFaerie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book. I have been a big fan of The Simple Screamer & Make Something Ugly For a Change and this book is even better. What I love about this and all Dan Reeder's books is that they teach you simple methods for making large sculptures that are almost fool proof. Even if you are not interested in making monsters you can use his methods to help you figure out how to create almost anything you desire.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Devilishly Good Fun October 16, 2009

By Stephen C. Lott

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

What a wonderful book. Even if you have no intention of creating in paper-mache, I would recommend this book for it's wit and charm. Dan is clearly a man who has no interest in growing up and who delights in sharing his messy fun with others. His philosphy that making monsters is a great way to start for kids, because no one can say "you did it wrong", also reflects his undertanding of children and his great heart.

From a practical standpoint, this book also is full of information and techniques outside the normal field of knowledge about paper-mache, in other words he shares a lot of really cool tricks to making wonderful monsters.

So you will have fun from the moment you open the book until you put the finishing touches our your creation.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Killer how-to manual for paper mache November 10, 2010

By Dave Hunter

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is absolutely HILARIOUS!!! Between all the snorts, gasps and tears of laughter the reader will learn how to create fabulous monstrosities with deceptive ease. Very well-written with a comfortable flow, and peppered with numerous photos to whet the appetite of any would-be mad scientist/artiste. The only trouble I've had so far is holding onto my copy long to actually USE it because so many of my artsy friends are scrabbling over who gets to borrow it next...........
A major THUMBS UP for this one! :)