How to sculpt a shark with Plaster Cloth Wrap

Step 1: Cardboard armature

-    Print out the provided top and side profiles of the shark in A3 size

-    Multiply the measurements by 4 to scale up the shark to be 1m long

-    Draw a 1m blue line on cardboard

-    Mark the 11 ribs along the line using a red marker (refer to the size guide and multiply for scale)

-    Draw the side profile of the shark with a black marker

-    Carefully cut out the side profile, then cut it in half horizontally

-    Draw another 1m blue centre line on your cardboard for the top profile

-    Place the side profile piece onto the cardboard and mark the 11 ribs over the blue line

-    Remember to multiply the top profile measurements by 4 when drawing them in

-    Draw the top profile outline and carefully cut it out with your hobby knife

Step 2: Assembling sculpture

-    Attach the upper and lower side profile pieces to the top profile using clear packing tape

-    Multiply the rib dimensions by 4, creating 4 arcs per rib, and cut out each semi-circular shape

-    Cut and attach each rib, one at a time

-    Tape each rib into place, working from ribs 1 to 11

-    Layer packing tape from nose to tail, pulling it as tight as possible

-    If available, use a tape gun or dispenser to speed up the process

Step 3: Plaster armature

-    Fill a large bowl with water

-    Cut strips of Plaster Wrap to fit the shark’s body

-    Dip each strip into water before you apply it, making sure it is completely soaked

-    Layer your plaster wrap over the shark, overlapping each strip slightly

-    Smooth the plaster into all the grooves, ensuring an even coat

-    Turn the shark upside down to apply plaster to the underside

-    Apply extra layers to reinforce any weak areas

Step 4: Attach the fins

-    Cut the pectoral fins (side fins) from cardboard and cover them in 4 layers of Plaster Wrap

-    Repeat this process for the pelvic fins and second dorsal fin

-    Allow all fins to dry completely before attaching

-    To attach the pectoral fins, cut strips of Plaster Wrap, attaching above where the fin goes

-    Once dry, wet the other half and attach it over the fin to secure it in place

-    Repeat the process for the other fins

-    Reinforce the joins of all fins with additional Plaster Wrap

-    Roll plaster wrap into small balls and press them onto the sides of the shark to form the eyes

Step 5: Simple shark painting

-    Turn the shark upside down and paint the underside with Titanium White using a 25mm flat brush

-    Allow it to dry completely

-    Paint the upper body in a grey-blue tone

-    We got creative and painted a splash-like effect where the white meets the blue

-    Add Payne’s Grey for the eyes with a couple of white dots for highlights

 Now your Great White Shark sculpture is all done and ready to display! This project is a great way to explore Plaster Wrap and cardboard armatures, so you can use the technique with loads of other ideas.