Snocks are fine, but what about Papier Mache?

I promised to show you how you too can make funny sock snakes, Snocks.

You can find the instructions under “Free Stuff” at my website. You will now feel empowered to make sock dinosaurs, and sock dogs and cats. Snock yourself out. A whole new world has been opened up to you!

I first created Snocks in 1979 just as a fun project. (see the previous blog post) As folks expressed interest in owning one, I then found a sales rep who got them placed in gift shops. All hand-made in the USA, our ship was sunk before it left port. Much too labor intensive to be profitable. I tried to find a toy manufacturer interested in these lovable loonies.

Instead, a company named Kamar hired me to design and make the models of stuffed animals, including a different version of Snocks. I became fairly proficient at using a sewing machine and creating the paper patterns for the toys. As a sculptor, these were simply the tools needed to create a 'sculpture' that could also be reproduced at a factory. It was great experience and opened a few doors in my career as toy designer.

I am often asked “Mike, I have a hankerin’ to make something with Papier Mache. How do I do this?” We then play with funny French accents pronouncing “Pop-ee-ay Maw-shay” and then wonder why the French invented it in the first place. Or, did they? Then I tell them that there is a groundbreaking new book….hmmmm, oh yes, here it is!

A good starter book for any Paper Mash enthusiast. AND, you can add springs and wings and give your creation life! How much fun is this?!

You will then be unable to contain yourself.

Flying Dragon, Bobble-head Giraffe, and the Gator treasure chest of mystery await you within the pages of "Paper Mash, Eh?" Newly revised and updated.

Available at Amazon.com within a week or two. I promise.