PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Mannequins are used to display fashions and dressing a mannequin properly often distinguishes a product, increasing sales. Small shops, accessory stores, and decorators may not want to buy a whole mannequin when they have to only display hats or accessories. In these cases, all that is needed is a mannequin head and these can be created using paper mache and decoupage.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Papier Mâché Mannequin Head

PDF download Download Article
    • Fill a tin can 1/3 full of sand. Use masking tape to affix your balloon inside the can on all sides. Smooth down the masking tape wherever there are bumps. The can will serve as a neck to your paper mache head.
    Advertisement
  1. Mix 1 part water with 1 part flour.
    • Most paper mache recipes suggest 2 parts water to 1 part flour. You want your recipe to be a little bit thicker for your paper mache head, but feel free to dilute it with more water to make it easier to work with.
  2. Tear a few larger squares and set aside.
  3. Smooth it onto your balloon. Working with 1 strip at a time, cover the entire head and can.
  4. You should have done 4 paper mache coats on your mannequin head. Allow them to dry completely.
  5. Affix them with masking tape. Continue to pinch the newspapers into the shape you want.
  6. Use a wooden spoon to press down gently and thoroughly on all tape edges.
  7. Allow to dry.
  8. There are a few options.
  9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Styrofoam Mannequin Head

PDF download Download Article
  1. These heads are white, with features, and they are available at most arts and crafts stores. Many of them are already sized to fit hats or headbands. Miniature versions are also available.
  2. Decoupage is the art of decorating something by gluing small pieces of paper to it. It is commonly used on small objects, boxes and furniture.
  3. Place pieces of paper on to of the wet portions, making sure they overlap and there isn't any white space.
  4. Place another layer of decoupage glue over the top of the paper pieces, flattening all edges with the brush to ensure a smooth coating of paper. Once the glue and paper dry, you will be unable to flatten any edges, so it is important to take time to smooth it with the glue and brush now.
  5. Continue to wet the Styrofoam, attach the paper and glue over the top, using the smaller pieces of paper to fit over the nose, eyes and mouth.
  6. When it is dry, balance the top of the mannequin head in a large sturdy cup, so you can glue pieces of paper around the edges, and leave it to dry.
  7. You can use an antique plate, a wooden base from an arts and crafts shop, or any sturdy object that will hold your mannequin head steady when you place hats or accessories on it. Foam mannequin heads are very light and unsteady, so it is important to have a base if you intend to use it in a store.
  8. Allow to dry and then use for decoration or accessories.
  9. Advertisement


Video

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    In the first method, does anything happen if the balloon pops?
    Mrs.Spooks
    Mrs.Spooks
    Community Answer
    If it pops when the outside layer is dry, nothing should happen. If it's wet, it may or may not collapse. If it happens during step 1, just get another balloon and re-inflate it.
  • Question
    How much water and flour am I supposed to use?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You need to use one part flour and two parts water. The exact amounts are entirely up to you. For example, you could use one cup of flour and two cups of water, or two cups of flour and four cups of water.
  • Question
    What if it's dry and it's starting to sink? I think the balloon deflated during the drying time. Can I fix it?
    Mrs.Spooks
    Mrs.Spooks
    Community Answer
    If there is not too much damage, you may just be able to "fill" the hole with tape and mache. If there is a lot, it may be too late, and you will have to restart.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Tin can
  • Balloon
  • Newspapers
  • Flour
  • Water
  • Masking tape
  • Paints or spray paint (optional)
  • Drop cloth (optional)
  • Fabric (optional)
  • Nylon sock (optional)
  • Styrofoam mannequin head
  • Decoupage glue
  • Pieces of colored or designed paper
  • Foam paint brush
  • Plate or wooden base
  • Hot glue gun

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 278,875 times.
84 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: March 29, 2019
Views: 278,875
Categories: Sculpting
Article SummaryX

To make a mannequin head with paper mâché, start by blowing up a balloon to the size you want your head to be. Then, tear newspaper into several 2-inch by 6-inch strips, and dip them in a paste made of 2 parts water to 1 part flour. Smooth the strips over the balloon one at a time until it’s completely covered, and create details like a nose and mouth by wadding up newspaper, taping it to the head, and covering with more wet strips. Once it’s dried, smooth out edges with a light coat of spray adhesive. For more ways to make mannequin heads, like how to use decoupage to create a stylish wig holder, read on!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 278,875 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement