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Hi, im making a helmet - for a play - and used a balloon as a template which is similar to my head shape - as a template - and after it dries, i am going to mend the shape of the papier mache... but how will i mend this? i thought of this beforehand, and thought about trying to mend it by hand,pliers, hammer - but need advice! which is the best solution on how to mend it to fit my head??
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There are a number of ways you could go about it. It depends what sort of helmet you are wanting. Is it like the roman helmet on my gallery page (David Osborne. Gallery?) or something taller or more elaborate?
If the balloon shape is a reasonable fit, just work as follows:-
where the shape is too small, cut it and insert pieces of card, preferably with a stapler.
where you need to add pieces, use card and either glue or staple where it is practical.
where the shape is too large, cut out a section and rejoin.
where you want a different shape, damp the layered paper, bend into shape and dry it thoroughly.
If this looks like a lot of work, you could start again by pressing three layers of aluminium foil over your head. Although you have to deal with it fairly delicately, it will retain a reasonable former of your head shape.
If you want a really good close fit, cover your head with clingfilm and get someone to put about three layers of paper over it. Walk around in the sun for a while or use a hairdryer until it holds its form. Mind you, the neighbours may be surprised!
:twisted: 
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Dear Dave; I really busted a stitch with your idea about walking around with wet paste-covered paper mache on your head until it dries in the sun. I have also had some far-out ideas about ways solve certain problems when trying to create a project. The visual image of paper mache on the head made me smile. Thanks for making my day! I think I'll go make a helmet.
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Put a picture on the gallery then, Texan Tammy. Perhaps one of you walking around there in Saudi Arabia too??
:oops:
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yeah, iv made it - after making it - i molded it into my ehad by pressing really hard into my head - and then i also heated it - and then molded it more - it worked perfectly!!
and about the stapling idea - i used that too - worked like a charm!!
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