Manning Makes Stuff - Halloween decorations, paper mache masks, costumes, party ideas, and more

Manning Makes Stuff - Halloween decorations, paper mache masks, costumes, party ideas, and more

Paper maché workshops in New Orleans

I’m available to lead paper maché workshops in the New Orleans area! Email me at manning@manningkrull.com to start a conversation!

This offer is generally for groups of adults, e.g. Mardi Gras krewes, other types of clubs, or just groups of friends. I’m terrible with kids. But feel free to inquire.

There are a few ways we can arrange a workshop…

1. You provide the space, invite as many people as you want, and I get to invite some of my krewe members. My krewe, Cryptique, does not have dues, and that means we don’t have a workspace where we can do our own workshops. If you’re able to host, you can invite as many people as you want (obviously), and we can discuss a certain number of people I can bring (e.g. up to five). If I’m bringing guests, then I would not charge a fee for my time. That’s right, a free workshop for your krewe or other group!

2. You provide the space and pay me a fee for leading the workshop. The fee would be based on how many hours, what we’re making, etc. Let’s discuss!

What will the workshop entail?

That’s largely up to you!

I have a really fun PowerPoint presentation where I talk about my paper maché techniques and materials and I show tons of examples. I can send you the PowerPoint file if you like. It takes about 20-30 minutes for me to go through it. So we can include me presenting that, or we can skip it if you prefer! I can also tailor the presentation as needed for your group.

The workshop can be hands-on, with attendees doing some paper maché, or it can just be more of a lecture and show-and-tell. Whatever you prefer. I can also bring a bunch of my masks and sculptures to show.

If the workshop will be hands-on, then the host (that’s you!) and I can discuss what kind of project(s) the attendees will be working on. This may be props for your Mardi Gras parade. It may be simple masks based on a balloon. It may be starting with a pre-made simple face mask and adding 3D details (e.g. horns, nose, etc). Etc etc. Let’s discuss ideas!

The workshop can also be me creating one of my complicated masks or sculptures while I explain my techniques, and the attendees just watch and listen.

In any case, of course the attendees can ask me as many questions as they want. I’m happy to answer questions as time allows while we’re with the group, or one-on-one afterward. I’m also fine with having people email me follow-up questions after the workshop.

What the workshop will not entail

It will not be possible for everyone to arrive with their individual ideas for paper maché projects and then we create all of those projects from scratch together. The timing just will not work. What I mean is, let’s say everyone wants to make a big paper maché mask for Mardi Gras day. The first step in creating a big mask is building a base, and a couple hours is just not enough time for each person to build their base (with help from me) and then start applying paper maché to it. I’m very happy to answer questions and help people brainstorm! But with lots of different people with very different ideas for projects, we’ll be limited in what we can accomplish together during the workshop. My hope is that the workshop will get people started with the basics of doing paper maché projects, and then they’ll be able to proceed with their original creations at home.

What does the host need to provide?

The main thing the host must provide is the space, as well as enough tables for people to work at. There should be a restroom or other area where people can wash their hands after doing paper maché.

As for paper maché materials, there are a few different ways to handle this. One option is that the host provides the paper, paste, bowls, etc. The other is that the host requires the attendees to bring their own materials. Let’s discuss!

How long should the workshop be?

Totally up to you. My recommendation is two hours. One hour is okay, but tight. Three is fine. More than that is probably crazy.

Dates

My availability to lead workshops will be very limited in the month or so before Mardi Gras. Feel free to inquire about any dates at all, but the farther before Mardi Gras the more likely I’ll be able to accommodate.

Location?

I live in New Orleans and am happy to drive anywhere in town, as well as surrounding towns. Anywhere further out, we can discuss! If you’re not in the New Orleans area and (to my complete bafflement) wish to arrange my travel somewhere, I suppose that is totally an option!

Get in touch!

Email me at manning@manningkrull.com.