Latex, Mache, MM…What is your poison?

[spideranne]

I was curious about the various mediums everyone uses to make their props. Do you pick one vs the other just on personal preference? What are the pro’s and con’s of working with each? Any tips for the beginner just getting started? I am dying to get started on a project but am finding myself in a bit of analysis paralysis trying to decide what to attempt first….

[Dr Morbius]

Mache...it's cheap. It's sooooooo cheap. Did I say it was cheap?

[spideranne]

I don't consider myself very artistic. Is there a certain technique to layering the mache?

[krough]

I don't consider myself very artistic either Spideranne. And mache is a very neat medium to work with. I would say give it a shot, not much to lose except for some paper towels and glue.

[Dr Morbius]

I don't consider myself very artistic either Spideranne. And mache is a very neat medium to work with. I would say give it a shot, not much to lose except for some paper towels and glue.
Why? Because it's cheap! LOL!

[spideranne]

Ok, mache it is. Cheap works for me. I will try something this weekend and post it for critique.

[Dr Morbius]

Excellent....in a cheap way.

[Torgen]

You're SO cheap...

[heresjohnny]

I love mache, it is very easy to work with, especially the paper towel mache. Just dunk a sheet in squeeze it out, spread it out and apply. You have already heard from some of the local experts, and I have how-to that may help you http://www.johnnyspage.com/StretchSkullHowto.htm. My best advice is don't be afraid to try! :D

[Dr Morbius]

You're SO cheap...
Yes, I am. And a very cheap thank you!

[heresjohnny]

Yes, I am. And a very cheap thank you!

Oh yeah I almost forgot, it is CHEAP. And I am CHEAP!:eek:

[Otaku]

I may be cheap, but I'm not easy! And my choice is definitely mache. Mostly because it's cheap...

[Vlad]

As a start, I also would recommend mache, but being REALLY cheap (not just playing it on TV), I'd also recommend using the flour mache recipe instead.

[Dr Morbius]

There is nothing more gratifying than creating something great on the cheap..the cheaper the better..and there is nothing cheaper than Mache'.
My 2 cents..which is more than I wanted to spend.

[Ugly Joe]

Soooo...I guess the message here is....?

[otherworldly]

Everything I've done has been MM.
http://blogcrypt.com/uploads/otherworldly_hallow13.jpg
Hamish

http://blogcrypt.com/uploads/otherworldly_hallow12.jpg
The static blacklight ghost (who's getting a rebuild this year)

http://blogcrypt.com/uploads/otherworldly_hallow3.jpg
And Gary the Gargoyle

...are all Monster Mud. I love the quality of the latex paint and it's strength. Though it is heavy. I bought mistints, so it was pretty cheap. ;) Hamish has been living outside for years and is only improved by the weather. :) This year I will be trying more with paper mache.

[Dr Morbius]

Those are great! But not as cheap as Mache'! LOL!

[heresjohnny]

Everything I've done has been MM.
http://blogcrypt.com/uploads/otherworldly_hallow13.jpg
Hamish

http://blogcrypt.com/uploads/otherworldly_hallow12.jpg
The static blacklight ghost (who's getting a rebuild this year)

http://blogcrypt.com/uploads/otherworldly_hallow3.jpg
And Gary the Gargoyle

...are all Monster Mud. I love the quality of the latex paint and it's strength. Though it is heavy. I bought mistints, so it was pretty cheap. ;) Hamish has been living outside for years and is only improved by the weather. :) This year I will be trying more with paper mache.

That is some very nice work otherworldly, thanks for posting.

[DeathTouch]

I don't know about cheap, but I am starting to get into all three of them. Each one has it own effect. And all three of them I like except MM. I even combined paper mache with latex. Now it looks a little different now than this picture because I wanted to mess with it, but just because it is cheap doesn't mean you have to end up with a cheap effect.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/lovermonkey/Halloween/DSC02678.jpg

[HibLaGrande]

hey is that a CHEAP plastic skull light from big lots? :D

[DeathTouch]

No, it is a skull that I bought from ACC.

[otherworldly]

Thanks very much Johnny! :D
Deathtouch, that is one creepy head! Very nice! Latex and mache? cool.

[Beepem]

mache for life! well, until I learn how to use latex!

[IshWitch]

And I might add, Johnny's how to and several others I've seen on here are wonderful!