How to Make a Camel

Posted on 2003/09/26 24:26:07 (September 2003) by john.

Just what you always wanted to know.

There comes a time in a man's life when he suddenly decides he has to construct a camel from papier mache. Yesterday evening was such a time for me.

The frame was made from simple strips of cardboard, held together with masking tape. I'd considered using wire mesh to make the frame - this would obviously have been more sturdy, but it looked like it might be a bit dangerous, and on reflection it would have also taken a lot longer.

Making the frame was surprisingly enjoyable - I felt like I was reinventing the science of structural engineering as I went along. I put a lot of thought into how to make it sturdy, and carefully considered where all of the stress points were going to be. I think old Isambard would have been proud.


Once the frame was constructed, I got Chie to give me a hand covering it in papier mache. This was also a lot of fun. Particularly the first layer - seeing it turn from a skeleton into a real solid thing. By the time we got to the fourth layer, however, it was starting to get a bit monotonous.

I wasn't sure if I'd got the glue mixture right - half PVA, half water. I remember using wallpaper paste when I was a kid. Still, it seemed to work nonetheless.


We left it to dry overnight, and seeing the finished product this morning was immensely satisfying.

I guess it just needs a coat of paint now.


I took quite a few pictures to document the construction process, and you can see the whole lot here.

That's nice, dear. He seems to have sagged somewhat, towards the end of the construction. Perhaps he's got the hump?

Posted by Jimmy at 2003/09/26 24:41:11.

Tee hee hee. Just the neck has bent forwards a bit, but it's within the parameters of what a real camel can do, so I'm not overly concerned.

Posted by John at 2003/09/26 13:01:22.

See, total randomness is a cure for boredom. ;)

Posted by Mark at 2003/09/27 12:16:02.

So many questions. So many...

Posted by Rusty at 2003/09/27 16:12:28.

The first being: WHY?

Posted by tom at 2003/09/27 21:26:50.

...and the second: WHY?!

Posted by Rusty at 2003/09/28 19:34:06.

John, you've done us all proud.

Posted by Rob Lang at 2003/09/29 11:29:10.

Ooo, camels. Now you're making me horny.

\
(:-) - Yak
/

p.s. Aww, fluffy sheepie!

Posted by Yak at 2003/10/09 15:55:35.

Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that was the legendary Jeff Minter. Thanks for dropping by!

Posted by John at 2003/10/09 22:36:25.

This site is funny an even cooler site mysite.freeserve.com/skatingmonkey! go there, its sweet!!!

Posted by Cant remember at 2004/02/11 20:44:39.

This is best thing ever, I have been trying to design and make a papier mache camel for a raft race we are doing with work, the theme is hollywood blockbusters and our raft is laurence of arabia. I am making a camel to go in the middle.
thanks for the help

Posted by Ruth at 2004/08/14 18:28:49.

even buckaroo might have started that way

Posted by karl burty bassettt at 2004/11/06 22:37:26.

There also comes a time in a woman's life when she suddenly decides that she has to construct a camel from papier mache. This morning has been such a time for me. How great is it that when such a time comes, a Google search can show you the way.

Posted by Allie at 2006/08/22 20:26:03.

This is great! I didn't actually think I'd find a plan for a paper mache camel! Just what I needed!

Posted by Turtles at 2006/11/24 04:15:31.

Thanks, I need to make one for a kids play and you have really helped me.

Posted by Kylie at 2007/01/01 10:48:09.

Thanks, I need to make one for a kids play and you have really helped me.

Posted by Kylie at 2007/01/01 10:48:23.

it is so ugly

Posted by jakie at 2007/01/15 18:41:57.

no im just playing it's beautiful

Posted by Jakie at 2007/01/15 18:43:32.

who wants to make a stinken paper mache out of caramel,that is so flippin dom omg!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by lola at 2007/04/08 19:01:56.

THIS IAS SO FRIEKEN DOM I WANT TO STEP ON IT THATS HOW DOM IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!OMG ICANT LOOK AT THIS CAUSE IT WILL BERN MY EYESTHIS LOOKS LIKE CRAP COMING OUT OF MY BUTHOLE!!!!!!!!!!!1

Posted by stupid at 2007/04/08 19:07:12.

you need more ways of making a camel...not just one...that will take awhile...u need something that is quick and easy in case of emergency...like me

Posted by jalo at 2007/04/13 14:42:45.

OMG!This is crap

Posted by Terri at 2007/06/14 16:53:27.

Believe it or not, I do have to make a friken camel for my 2 year old kindegarten. This looks suitably crappy. I'll never live enough to thank for your iddleness. Take it slow

Posted by asshead at 2007/12/01 19:30:05.

This is the best recipe I learned from Reading Rainbow making those parade floats for Mardi
Gras, etc....1/2 cup flour to 5 cups water. Bring to Boil, stirring with a wisk. This makes a glue better than or as good as wheat paste.

Posted by kevin at 2008/08/16 21:19:49.

Thanks - this came in handy for a school project.

Posted by Family in Dubai at 2008/10/17 08:15:52.

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