I bet it's hard to believe that this is made of paper?! I've always loved to play with concrete, but it gets really heavy and hard to sculpt. When I discovered that paper can come to the rescue I was super excited! Paper provides a great partner to make concrete more moldable and also takes away some of the weight.

Please don't say that you can not sculpt as this is quite simple since it's shape is round. Channel some of those old childhood memories of fun times in the sandbox... Let me show you how...

Step 1:

For the first part of this Project you will need:

Paper (newspaper, egg cartons, any paper)
Bucket
Water
Agitation device (paint mixer, blender, strong arms)

To break down the fibres:

Shred or rip the paper as small as possible. Depending on the paper you are using it may take longer. Egg cartons are already a recycled paper so they will break down quite quickly. I had old bills shredded so I used them. I used some hot water to help soften it.
Add enough water to fully soak (don't worry that it's too much)
Agitate to help break fibres down. (paint mixer, or old blender, some muscle power... what ever it takes. I used a paint mixer on an electric drill BE CAUTIOUS OF BEING NEAR WATER)
You will see the fibres get 'fuzzier' and softer and may even need additional water
It should resemble 'mush' when totally broken down

Step 2: The Basic Form

To make the forming of this sculpture as easy as possible it is based on a ball shape. I like to use things that are free or very inexpensive.

Make the Sphere:

Crumple a ball of newspaper to the desired size. It should be quite dense and solid
To hold it together wrap it with string
Since I don't want the paper ball to 'steal' the moisture from the concrete I wrap it in a plastic bag
Use some chicken wire or other mesh material and wrap the sphere. This will provide some additional structural integrity and stiffness
To hold it all in place a wrapping of thin wire will help (almost like the rebar in concrete)
Make sure it is quite stiff so that it does not flex when pressed

Step 3: Working With Concrete

It is best to do this stage in a place that can get messy... If you are new to concrete you may like my tips and tricks page.

Materials for Mixing:

Portland Cement
Sand
Your paper fibres
Mixing vessel (plastic bucket is best)
Stir Sticks (wood or plastic)
Water in an easy pour container
Gloves
Dust mask

Step 4: Making the Mix

Papercrete can be made at many different ratios.

For this one I used:

2 Parts Paper Fibre - 2 Parts Sand - 3 Parts Portland Cement by volume ( I count scoops)

(If prefer a less fibrous mix you can add more portland cement without any issue)

Mixing:

The fibres should be strained from the water as much as possible (so as not to bring too much water to the mix
Add the sand and portland cement
Start to mix and add water at small increments
Mix well and make sure to stir deep into the bottom
The consistency should be of a stiff nature, that holds it shape like a clay when squeezed in your (gloved) hand

Step 5: The Sculpting

I always like to have a plan of what I am making by drawing some sketches first. You can interpret many animals into a chubby spherical shape.

Sculpting:

Place the ball/sphere on something that you can rotate
Cover the ball with mix evenly and smoothly (at least 1/4" to 3/4") by spreading it with your hands
Rotate and assess the shape

Step 6: Adding Character

That was not hard at all was it?! It's like being back in the sandbox...

Adding the Details:

The eyes, warts, are just additional lumps added on top
Make some strips for the lips and squeeze edges
Form the legs out from the sides (don't make tiny details as they may be broken later on)
If needed use some utensils to smooth out the surface as desired (easier now than when set)
Rotate to make sure to view at all sides and keep it somewhat symmetrical
Due to the fibre content it will dry much slower than usual concrete. If located in the sun protect from drying too fast (cover) as concrete likes a slow damp setting cycle to gain more strength. Mist with water if needed. You will see the colour change when completely set/dry (timing will depend on your individual conditions)

Step 7: Gutting the Form

The design was made to be lighter by not being a solid form. You will easily be able to move this fellow around.

Hollowing out:

Once set, turn over the sculpture and rest in a secure place
Use tin snips or pliers to cut the wire and mesh (use gloves to protect hands)
Cut away and pull out bits as you can dislodge them.
Once you get to the paper centre pull out bits and hollow as much as possible. (best to take out anything that may absorb water and freeze)

Step 8: Give Him a Name...

That was pretty easy?! I've had mine in the garden for years and he has made some friends as well...

Let me warn you though... when you start 'playing' with concrete it may become addictive! But it is easy, cheap and pretty permanent, so what's better than that!?

Check out my other instructables as well.

ENJOY!