Dimples - Paper mache sculpture

I didn't get a chance to post the project I did prior to the monkey. I have all the photos and I would like to keep a record for myself so I figured I should do it now.

"Dimples" is a paper mache sculpture based on Dolly Dimples, a famous fat lady in the circus during the 30s and 40s.

I basically followed the directions given by Jonni Good on her website ultimatepapermache.com 

 

• STEP #1 I started out with a cardboard 16" model and then bent it into the position I wanted. I taped wire to it so it would hold its shape.

Acrobatic Monkey is Finished

I built a cover out of illustration board and painted it with water color and ink. I sealed it with acrylic gel in hopes of protecting it a little. Here is the final Project:

Fourth Project

This is not really the fourth project, i have not included a non moving paper mache figure "Dimples" maybe when i'm in the mood I will put it up here.
Anyway, I have been inspired to create a sand powered "automata." Mine is really more like a simple toy, but its a start.
I did not start this post when i started the project so I tend to do a lot of editing of the boring and wasted time spent on my errors in all my trial and errors so I will just say that I have tried many configurations and materials with this and this is what I have come up with:

This is a picture with the back off. sand goes in the acetate cone, hits the wheel which turns the shaft which turns the monkey. The sand then falls to the bottom of the box. By tipping the box over, you can fill the cone and start again.

HELP FROM READERS WELCOME! The current problem I am having is that sand is still leaking out of the holes where the rod sticks out. Im afraid to put anything near the rod since it was so hard to get the thing to turn freely in the first place. So this is a place where any suggestions would be welcome.

Final Result#2

Its been awhile since I posted on here so I will give the the abbreviated version of what's been going on. After srtuggling with the crankshaft configuration for a long time. I finally got her to move ok but I'd really like to add something to make the crank handle more steady so it isn't just like a stick moving the strings. Like a ratchet to keep it from slipping backwards. Unfortunately I think that will have to wait for Fiona's  progeny.