Paper mache

I learned the paper mache technique from a very talented young man Leonardo Santillan, an amazing puppet maker. Leo was magical.  He created the puppet theater group El Tlakuache in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Méx. friend of my mom's sister Laura (who also have a theatre company: Los tiliches del baúl), he taught me different techniques to make my own puppets for one of Laura's shows. Leo and his wife passed away a couple of years ago in a car crash, at least that's what I heard.
Thank you Leo for all the sharing, I'll never forget you. This post is dedicated to you.

1. Red Elephant with dragon

I also made a mache trio for a very nice family in Polanco, they were my best paper mache customers.

2. Elephant (trio)

3. Flaming rhino (trio)

 

4. Purple hippo (trio)

This is a very long process, but it is worthy, the same family asked me to do a fourth one:

5. Crocodile