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General objective. Create an alebrije.Description of the activity. Create a three-dimensional figure with cardboard using Mexican artisanal techniques.
Cardboard is the main part in the creation of a 3D figure, a craft practice known as “papier mache” or “cartonería” using; wire, wooden sticks or branches, newspaper, sheets of paper, and paste.
Participants will have material to make a paper mache figure, following the techniques used in Mexican popular culture, known for its bright colors and whimsical figures known as “Alebrijes.”
Figure 25 centimeters high x 25 centimeters maximum width “Alebrije”
Duration: 3 hrs.
Material: scissors, knife, pencil, notebook, cardboard, wire, masking tape, brown tape. All included in the cost of the workshop.
Draw an idea of the alebrije, which must have at least one of the following characteristics: Claws, tail, wings, fangs, fins, scales, stingers and 3 different animal elements. (7 to 10 minutes)
We start with the body that was made of wire and covered with tape and newspaper. (15 min)
Put 5 to 7 layers of paper with paste. (We can do it faster if we use cardboard). Let it dry while making the other parts. (10 to 15 min.)
We will create the wings or the claws or the fangs. (cardboard and wire or newspaper) (10 min)
At this point the drying time is accelerated. If a balloon was covered, put it in the microwave for about 40 seconds and leave it outside for 5 minutes. or stands in front of a fan.
We proceed to paint the pieces that are dry.
They are joined with the body (which must be dry) and painted.
It can be hung with wire, therefore a hole is made in the figure or a base is made of wood or cardboard.
This process of making crafts is based on creating with the materials available in the region, the alebrijes are the creation of Pedro Linares Lopez. He was an expert in cardboard.
They are traditionally made in the southern Mexican. But, did you know that the father of alebrijes is the Mexican artist Pedro Linares López? Pedro Linares López was born in Mexico City on June 29, 1906. His father worked as a paper mache sculptor and trained him to follow in his footsteps. By age 12, Linares was already a skilled artisan of paper mache items, creating piñatas and traditional skulls for the annual Day of the Dead celebration. However, his fame skyrocketed when he created the alebrijes.
Do you want to know how this wonderful tradition came about? It turns out that Pedro Linares fell ill at the age of 30 and had a nightmare while he was convalescing. In his dream, he was walking through a forest where colorful hybrid animals appeared to him. These beings called themselves alebrijes. Once recovered, Linares began to bring these fantastic creatures to life, and they soon became popular. Alebrijes are characterized by their bright colors and magical fantasy. They can be small enough to be carried in your hand or large enough to be moved on wheels. A true artistic marvel!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
100 W 4th St, Ste 30, Hattiesburg, MS, United States, Mississippi 39401
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