Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 409 Comments

How To Make A Paper Mache Narwhal Bust

The built-in bookcases in the nursery have officially been filled with board books, toys, stuffed animals, framed prints, and a few other random bobs and bits that I hope our little man will love feasting his eyes (and mouth?) upon. We even created an easy paper mache craft there on the bottom left shelf. Can you spot him?

Bookcases1

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Norman The Narwhal. He’s FAR from a perfect specimen, but it was the sweetest project to do with soon-to-be big sister Clara. I think I love him more for his handmade wonkiness than anything else. Dude has some serious character going on. So let’s file this under “made by a kid with a little help from mom for her baby brother.”

Bookcases3

Plus, it’s an easy craft to customize to make whatever animal you want to capture as a cheeky, faux bust display.

How We Made A Paper Mache Narwal Bust

Here was our inspiration (which is nowhere near as wonky, and very charming indeed), and here’s how Clara and I had fun subbing in paper mache for a styrofoam ball, made the horn a different way, used buttons for eyes, etc.

Narwal After

Step 1: Buy or Make Your Wood Plaque

We picked up a small wooden craft plaque from JoAnn for around $3 with a coupon, but you could also cut your own shape out of a piece of wood if you’d prefer.

Step 2: Paint Or Stain Your Plaque

We decided to paint our plaque white using a leftover sample container we had around. This was an easy step for a 3-year-old to help with. Plus, you could choose any color or choose to stain it for a wood grain look.

Narwal 1and2

Step 3: Add Your Paper Mache Ingredients

Admittedly it had been a while since we paper-mached anything, but luckily you probably already have the ingredients around the house: it’s just flour and water. Here’s another great paper-mache tutorial if you’d like to see this process on video!

Step 4: Mix Until Smooth

Mix your flour and water in a bowl until you get the consistency of thick soup. We made waaaay too much). Clara LOVED this part, hence the comically large batch. She kept wanting to add more water and more flour and “stir, stir, stir” things up.

Narwal 3and4

Step 5: Build Your Animal Head

Next, we used some small strips of newspaper dipped in our “soup” to make our narwhal head. Most paper mache crafts have you layer these soggy paper strips over a balloon. You can easily customize the size of your project with a balloon. Plus, it removes easily (just pop it!) when your paper has dried.

We didn’t have a balloon handy so we sort of just crumbled up a ball of paper to build around. It didn’t make for the smoothest finished project, but having a lightweight base that we could leave under the shell did help constructing the narwall head in the following steps. So maybe not having a balloon was a happy accident!

Narwal 5and6

Step 6: Built Your Narwal Tusk

While our paper mache dried, we turnd our attention to the narwal’s tusk. For ours, we found a small wood dowel and trimmed it to about 5″. But a pencil or firm straw would also work!

Step 7: Wrap Tape To Create Your Shape

To create the tapered horn shape of the tusk, we gently coiled some painters tape from the top to the bottom of the dowel, wrapping larger loops as we went. We could’ve used more paper to form a cone under the tape, but we were going for a lightweight tusk so it wouldn’t sag.

Step 8: Wrap Decorative Tape On The Last Layer

For the final layer of the tusk, we switched to a yellow polka dot washi tape that I had on hand. It’s hard to see in the pictures, but it was a nice way to introduce a little bit of fun pattern. We also coated the tusk in a layer of matte Mod Podge just to lock everything in place.

Narwal 7and8

Step 9: Paint Your Paper Mache Head

While our Mod Podge dried, we paintd our narwal head using some blue craft paint. But again, this is a great chance to customize yours with whatever color suits you!

Step 10: Glue A Screw

In order to put the the tusk to the head, we first used Aileen’s Tacky Glue to glue a long screw to the inside of the dowel of our horn, which we let dry for a nice long time.

Narwal 9and10

Step 11: Attach The Tusk

Once our narwhal face was dry and the glue for our screw had cured up, we screwws it right in to the paper mache for that horned look. I even made a small pilot hole with our drill to get things started (Clara LOVES anything drill related, so this was a thrilling step for her as well).

Narwal 11

Step 12: Add Personality

We glued on some buttons to give our narwal eyes and drew a small smile on with Sharpie, but really anything goes at this point. Give it a bow! Draw freckles! Add a hat! Have fun!

Step 13: Glue To Your Plaque

With the narwal fully constructed, we used more glue to attach the head to our painted plaque from the first step. We also added some dash marks around the border with a paint pen, and added string to the back so it would hang.

Narwal After

This was such a project to involve our daughter with, and we think the final creation is so filled with personality (plus really screams “a 3-year-old helped make this!”).

Over the years I’ve been asked if I think obviously fake creations like these (or a ceramic ram head, or a cardboard deer head) might glorify the act of mounting an actual animal head. I’m sure everyone has different opinions about this (it’s such a highly personal thing) but I’ve thought about it for a while, and I don’t believe faux taxidermy makes any sort of pro-real-taxidermy statement. To me, it’s just like using faux sheepskins in our house instead of real ones, or how people might buy faux fur coats. Another example would be how animal rights activists like Stella McCartney will design things with faux leather (real leather = against her beliefs, but she’ll use the imitation to make a statement that there are great alternatives to the real thing).

Bookcases3

Now I’m excited to start in on some other personality-adding details, like a pair of colorful curtains, and a large-scale mobile for over the crib. This is just some bad photoshop below, but I have an old manzanita branch that I think could be fun with lots of colorful shapes hanging off of it at a ton of different lengths and depths.

Mobile Photoshop

So those are next on the list. What are you guys up to when it comes to bookcase-filling and art-making? Anyone else breaking out the paper mache? Clara kept trying to eat it, which was both comical and surprisingly ok (it is made from flour and water).

Psst- To see our nursery progress from the very beginning, here’s the planning and rug-buying post, the dresser-sourcing post, the wall and ceiling painting rundown, the first half of built-in building, the second half of the built-in project, and how we added crown molding and a homemade crib skirt.

Comments

  2. Wendy says

    FYI “narwal” is spelled with an H, so it’s narwhal.

    Narwhal is part of our street and we are constantly spelling it for people.

    Reply

  4. andee says

    I LOVE the alligators! You almost make me want to have a baby so I could decorate a nursery. But then I can’t even get my regular book case organized, it is sadly dusty and disheveled.
    So excited for the little barnacle!

    Reply

  6. Kateri says

    So cute how it is all coming together! These are my favorite posts these days. I still think a distressed wood planked wall behind the crib would add great character for the baby boy’s room. Nice work!

    Reply

  7. Jessica M says

    This room is the sweetest. I especially like the little alligator resting on the chair!

    Just wondering though, some people typically would probably have picked blue for a boys nursery. What won you over with green accents? That’s not a criticism by the way, just a question. I love the room <3 :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I think since Clara’s room has a lot of blue (the rug, the raindrops, the art, etc) we wanted this guy’s room to have its own vibe instead of feeling like an offshoot of hers. And since we had the green bike art that we hope to hang in here, that served as our inspiration. We’ve never really been super traditional with baby colors (Clara’s first nursery was celery green with a sky blue ceiling), so I think we just like to create a fun space without worrying if we’re supposed to use pink or blue. Then as each child grows, we can work in other colors according to their preference. For example, Clara loves red, blue, and pink, and if our son loves anything from orange to blue or yellow – and beyond! – we’re sure we can pair it nicely with green :)

      xo
      s

  8. Amber says

    The nursery is looking so good! I love seeing your take on a little boys’ room.
    By the way, you say that both bookshelves are on the left of the crib- I think one must be on the right ;)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We’re planning some sort of cubby-filled cabinet for easy access to toys and games on the wall across from the built-ins and we’ll make sure the top of that will fit a changing pad attachment.

      xo
      s

  11. Jess says

    Fun fact: I have a hard time telling my left from my right so when you were saying which side each bookshelf was on, they were backwards in my head. Then I saw the final picture and I thought “Whoa! They switched everything!!”

    Then I realized I’m just special :)

    Looks so, so good you guys!!

    Reply

  14. Gretchen@BoxyColonial says

    Well, you’ve got Snuggle Puppy and The Going to Bed Book, so it looks to me like you’re ready for a baby ;). Love Clara’s narwhal–we have something that each of my three oldest made in my toddler’s gallery wall, and it makes me really happy.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s so sweet! I had no idea she would have such an interest in helping with his room (and even donating her outgrown items like baby books and toys) but it’s completely heartwarming!

      xo
      s

  17. Samantha says

    love the large mobile idea … i think anything smaller would look bland everything your doing is awesome such a cute and yet great grow with me space !!

    Reply

  18. Bee says

    The toys as accessories for the shelves look really cute. I like how there’s a color theme with them, with all the shades of green and blue.

    Have you thought about painting the wall behind the crib an accent color? The mobile mock up looks really cute, and I can’t help but think how awesome it would look against a dark green wall. (And sorry if it has been asked/answered.)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s definitely a possibility! I think right now we’re leaning towards going dark green on the closet door, just for some fun color on the other side of the room, but we’ll keep you posted for sure!

      xo
      s

  19. Krista Ash says

    When I first looked at the narwhal picture I was seeing “floor and wall” not “stained shelf and builtin” so in my head that thing was about 3ft tall. It was only when I realized that the blocks next to it were not milk crate sized blocks but the small gummy blocks you mention that everything came back into scale.

    I think I need another coffee….

    Reply

  21. kim says

    It’s looking very smart and coming along beautifully. I LOVE your take on faux taxidermy ! YHL always tackles those awkward questions so well.

    Reply

  23. Sara says

    Eeek! I feel so far behind on our nursery. I’m due mid-April as well and all we’ve done so far is paint the walls. This weekend new hardwood flooring gets installed, so once that’s done I hope to get things moving and set up. 8.5 weeks to go! Love your baby boy’s room. I’ll be honest, when I saw the mood board I wasn’t really excited, but it’s come together so nicely. Very cute!

    Reply

  25. MC says

    Okay, Clara giving things to her brother is the sweetest thing ever. I imagine your heart was just melting every time she handed something down or picked out that picture for him. She is going to be the best big sister!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes! I was so worried she’d suddenly take an interest in all the things she had outgrown just to keep them for herself, but she was so sweet about bringing in even more things and saying “this is for my baby too” – my heart was melting.

      xo
      s

  27. johnna says

    ok – gotta know, since i am also expecting…where is that amazing chair from?? did i miss it in the nursery post?
    xo
    johnna

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That chair was from Joss & Main a while back (it used to sit in our last house’s kitchen in the corner across from the fireplace). Here it was sitting in the office but we don’t think it would last in there long-term (after we add desks and storage, etc) so it made sense to use it in the nursery. It’s super comfy!

      xo
      s

  29. Jess says

    Don’t get me wrong, I think mobiles are freaking adorable, but I could never put one over a crib. I could attach the dangles with 50lb test fishing line and still have anxiety about something falling in and the baby chocking or otherwise dying from it. It’s an absurd anxiety I’m sure, but there it is.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We’re the folks who actually screwed through the face of a mirror into anchors and studs to hold it so strongly to the wall that even John couldn’t yank it off (Safety Maniacs, reporting for duty), so I’m sure we’ll use extra secure methods, like extra long screws that go directly into ceiling beams. Will keep you posted!

      xo
      s

    • Debbie says

      I liked the mobile over the changing table like in Clare’s nursery, but I’m not sure if fits in your decorating scheme.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yeah, I think this time we like the idea of one over the crib since we have that big bare space for one and we plan to hang the bike art over the changing table (which we also hope will be fun to gaze up at).

      xo
      s

  30. Cara B says

    Norman the Narwhal, just like Norman the French bulldog I brought to the Richmond home show a couple of weeks ago! Now I’m wondering, which came first? The narwhal or the french bulldog?

    Reply

  33. Mariecel says

    So adorable! We just found out we’re having a boy, too! I’m due in July. I just have to get around to purging my office and moving it into the guest room (to do a dual purpose space) and turn the current office into Logan’s bedroom! We’re planning on white and espresso furniture, grey walls with accessories in pops of yellow, aqua and an deep, bright, orangy-coral! I love watching to see your nursery unfold. Very inspirational!

    Mariecel (the DC twilight girl)

    Reply

  34. Stefanie says

    Love how this is all coming together. The crib looks a bit out of place at this point but I have complete faith that the finished product will be amazing!

    That green box that you got from Target is part of a newish line..I’m sure you saw all of the other cute things on the same aisle! But anyway..my point, there’s a Cartwheel right now for 40% off all of it! Just wanted to give you a heads up because some of the bigger (and cutest) pieces were kind of pricey for my taste but at 40% off I’m going to scoop them up!

    Reply

    • Leah says

      Woah, way to get me on the cartwheel bandwagon. Tots doing this after work — I’ve been meaning to run to Target anyway. I already bought the large woven basket (and a small one) for our baby. We’re doing a green theme too.

      I’m not due until late June, so right now is repainting. Thankfully, the maintenance guy said he’d do it for us! Then, new flooring, some built-ins (another maintenance guy — perks of boarding school provided housing), and then I’ll be able to nest. Sherry, I love all the inspiration!

    • Diana says

      As soon as I saw that green box I recognized it from Target and thought “I hope they used the Cartwheel 40% off!”. I rarely buy things there unless it’s on sale or I have a Cartwheel deal.

  35. Annie Dee says

    When I was pregnant with my 2nd, I would sort through my daughter’s toys, books and clothes and we would discuss what to do with the things that were no longer appropriate as they were for much a younger child. She was 4 at the time. It was such a natural suggestion when she had the idea (aka “got the gentle nudge”) that the toys would be perfect for the new baby! Never was any jealousy between them. Still isn’t 19 plus years later!

    Reply

  38. Lisa E says

    I, too, love how you have Clara so involved in everything. That’s probably why she’s so generous with her toys that were once precious to her. So sweet and it’s looking great! I absolutely love that mobile idea, as well. Just as a reminder of somebody else’s previous comment on another post; most mobiles seem to be made for our viewpoint standing up but from the baby’s viewpoint, it’s not as pretty. So maybe you can do some of those circles horizontal as well as vertical? I personally had never thought of it that way before, but then I don’t have children, ha! Can’t wait to see how it all ends up!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, we were thinking it could be fun to make some shapes at the bottom of each strand that face down towards the crib so he can look up and watch those dance around :)

      xo
      s

  39. steph says

    I apologize if I missed this somewhere- where did you get your crib from??? I love the style and am looking for something similar!

    Reply

  40. Terresa says

    Did I miss you posting about buying that beautiful navy armchair. It looks fabulous in there!! or did you already have it and bring it in from a different room?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That chair was from Joss & Main a while back (it used to sit in our last house’s kitchen in the corner across from the fireplace). Here it was sitting in the office but we don’t think it would last in there long-term (after we add desks and storage, etc) so it made sense to use it in the nursery. It’s super comfy!

      xo
      s

  41. Evelina says

    I love that mobile idea!! I hope it happens :) Also, Clara is the sweetest kid ever to share all her old toys with her brother.

    Reply

  42. kathy from ct says

    Doing such a wonderful job in the nursery. Wanted to give you guys a heads up that JCPenney has the most ridiculous sale on your boyfriend’s (J. Adler) line. Owl banks for .97, foo dog bookends for 4.97 and all manners of storage bins (in blues and greens) – all of which would look so cute in this room. And you can use the coupon too.
    Not online, just in store but worth the trip!

    Reply

  43. Bekka says

    Such fun stuff this morning!
    My hubby and I just had our first baby in December, and I’m loving all your Barnacle/nursery-related posts. I’m totally inspired (though I have yet to figure out how to work any extra-curricular crafting activities into my new routine). Sherry, you are a wonderwoman!

    Reply

  46. Maddie says

    Aww, yay! Looking so sweet, and I love how Clara is so happy about passing things down! Also I spy a white Threshold snail…just bought one at Target yesterday and promptly named him Escargot ;)

    Reply

  47. Kaija says

    So sweet!

    I can’t believe Clara is so big that you can say she did something “a few years back”!

    BTW, I was looking at our family tree, and there’s 2 Claras, greatgreatgreatgrannies, I think, born in the 1700’s. The name is spelled Klaara in Finnish and pronounced almost the same. The a is just a bit longer, thus the double a.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So interesting about the Klaara’s in your lineage! I love that! And as for Clara being so grown up, it’s crazy to say “a few years back” with regard to things she made. They grow up so fast. Sniffle.

      xo
      s

  48. Lauren says

    Ah! I love the little narwhal! Faux taxidermy is my favorite, and I’m vegan so obviously not down with the real thing. I love how personal you made the process of decorating for Clara. I can’t wait to do things like this with my little girl (she’s only 7 months now, so we still have awhile to wait before we start getting all crafty together). Getting to add the personal touches to the nursery after the painting was all done was the best part! I am already planning my next design theme, and we aren’t expecting to have another for a couple more years!

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *