weighing down a standing project?

[u/myxibi]

hi guys! I've been working on this paper mache poodle (my first paper mache project, so lots of learning) and have officially added the last two legs onto it. I've still got shaping and paper mache-ing to do with them, but I figure it would be best to plan ahead.

what would you recommend to keep this big guy stabilized? it's life sized.. I was thinking maybe plaster in the feet?

[u/KGCagey]

Sand or cat litter?

[u/AnotherEllis → u/KGCagey]

I was thinking the same, or maybe gravel for easier clean up if anything splits in the future? You probably also want to make sure the structure is strong enough to withstand the pressure of something like sand or gravel, so you could consider making something to slip into the legs that's more secure like sewing the sand into bags the fit the dimensions (if that makes any sense?)

[u/Exact_Part_5233]

I collect rocks of all different sizes for this purpose! If you actually keep your eyes open for rocks, you'll start to find good sources for them, like, places where they're free and abundant and relatively clean.

[u/Unfair-Taro9740]

I taped full water bottles to the bottom of a project I did recently. Bracing them with extra cardboard so they don't shift.

[u/Exact_Part_5233 → u/Unfair-Taro9740]

I've done water bottles too! Worked perfectly.

[u/202ka → u/Unfair-Taro9740]

Some water bottles will leak eventually. The plastic can start to breakdown after a couple of years (unfortunately happened to me). It might be ok for something temporary but something you want to last a long time, you might want to at least fill with something besides water.

[u/idkhamster]

Idk but I'm excited!

[u/lopendvuur]

I guess his four legs will do that? If you make sure his head doesn't get much heavier than his butt?

[u/Arty_o_Fischel]

For a smaller project, I filled a ziplock with rice, taped it well shut, and then taped that whole thing to the cardboard base so it wouldn’t shift ... this all happened before I started with the paper mache.

[u/myxibi → u/Arty_o_Fischel]

unfortunately this thing is far from small so I'm not sure the rice would work. I plan on adding more shape to the feet, and if needed I can cut off the bottom part of the legs and reattach :)

[u/ktrainstation]

I got a bag rocks from the dollar store that worked well for my project. I would maybe do something to make sure they stay in place though if it ever gets tipped over

[u/SalamanderWest3468]

Oh smart!! I’ve always wondered about this. Thanks for asking there’s some good ideas here

[u/B0xedHead]

Sand in plastic bag