Well...this is an unusual question, but I do need someone's Help anyways!?

Question

I need to make a giant volcano, about a 4'-5' tall one, and I don't know how to go about making it. I'd also like to make it without using too much money because I am on a budget. It also can't be solid and it can't erupt. If you're wondering why it can't be solid and can't erupt, the reason is I am going to put a bubble machine inside rather than a mess waiting to happen. My idea is to take 8 yard stakes or 8 Dowels and make a teepee shaped cone with a circular object at the top that can be removed when the project is finished so there is a hole. After the teepee is created, I think I could probably wrap it, fairly tight, with fabric netting and then paper mache it with like 50 coats. When I was finished I would take the circular object out of the top and I'd be done. Do you think my idea would work? Do you have a less costly idea? Do you have a better more efficient idea? Suggestions? Anything that would help is really appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Paper mache is definitely the way to go.  This site has instructions for making one:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2087490_make-pap...

Just adjust it to the size you need and don't put in the part to make it erupt.

Answer 2

Not shore it this will work but try metal coat hangers for the base. Old news paper for the structure. Place the paper it some glue and then rap around structure. Decorate with paint and odds and ends that might look good on it. Go to the Dollar General and see what they got. Again not shore if it would work but its worth a try. P.S. make shore the coat hangers are not going to move will doing all this or your going to be having problem during the whole process. Try sticking them in a peace of Styrofoam

Answer 3

All you need is an old cardboard box to make the shape of the Volcano with then cover it with paper mashe. Or you can use pretty much anything to create the shape then put paper mashe on top.

Answer 4

I like your basic idea, but what will you make the "cone" out of?  Fairly stiff cardboard will work and will be fairly sturdy...

For a more artistic effect, you might consider draping an old bedsheet or other fabric over a frame...  I know there's some craft stuff that stiffens fabric, but I bet you could mix up some flour and water and coat the sheet (that's basically paper mache mix anyway).  It might take a little longer to dry, though.

For a frame:  you might consider simply draping it over something like PVC or larger water bottle (think Sparkletts), and tape or hold the bottom/outer edges until it sets.  You could also color it (and the paint would add to the stiffness).  Since it's basically stiff fabric you could just cut out the hole.

Best wishes!

Answer 5

Paper mache is the way to go cuz you can paint it at the end. Also you can make 'lava' bulges, but you don't need 50 coats - 4 should be good.

I would start out with chicken wire thought. It's inexpensive and very flexible so it can give you a good volcano instead of teepee shape. Wrap it twice, or as much to reach your desire height. In between the layers stuff it with crunched up newspaper - that way you only have to do 3-4 layer of mache but still have some thickness.

Recommend you rip up strips of 5 inch wide and use a large brush for the glue or else you'll be doing this 4ever. Give it plenty of time to dry too.

Good luck & have fun.

Answer 6

heavy wire might be better than the dowels, but on a whole I think this will work. I would be more tempted to get 1 x 1 or cut a 2 x 4 down to that size with circular saw, ripping down the length. Less expensive than getting dowels??

But since you need to paint it any way, or do the color last, how about the newspaper and glue on the nylon netting for the first several layers, It would be sturdier than it looks, and way less than 20 layers??