Step 1: Carve and Cover with Mache

While scrounging around, I found some florist foam in my supplies. You certainly don't need to use this material. I just happened to have it on hand, and didn't feel like building a frame out of wire.

I took 4 squares and ran wooden bbq skewers through them, connecting the pieces together, to create one large rectangular shape. This will be the base of Castor's head. I used wire clippers to snap the ends of the bbq skewers off.

I used a knife to carve out the basic shape of his skull and some divots for cheek, eye and nose details. Always cut the holes deeper and wider than what you hope to have in the end product: the layers of paper mache and clay will quickly fill these in.

I covered the skull with tinfoil.

Finally, I used a strip layer mache technique to cover the entire shape.

Done for the day. Let dry.