Giraffe Art Galore
Three-dimensional paper sculpture of a giraffe - all made out of hand cut paper and paint.
Giraffes are one of my favorite things to make out of paper and paint. I like to emphasize their expressive faces. Each giraffe also appears with long eyelashes to enhance their whimsical appearance.
“Sticking My Neck Out” is currently available online at Seaside Art Gallery This giraffe is made out of meticulously hand cut paper and paint. It took many hours just to cut the fur out of paper. Even though it is a very time consuming process to cut the fur out of paper, I also find it to be a calming and relaxing process. I like the challenge of creating three-dimensional mammals out of paper. This giraffe was especially challenging, because it is also a miniature fine art piece, measuring only 3” tall by 2.5” wide.
Bear Art
This is a 3D paper sculpture of a bear that just caught a salmon. I like the challenge of bringing paper to life and creating a bit of a whimsical look at life. This bear is bringing home a salmon so he can have it later for a little midnight snack.
I was inspired to create this cinnamon bear after a visit to Alaska. I saw some bears in the distance at various places. I thought the cinnamon bears were interesting in color. It was the first time I heard of this type of bear and I liked the color of their coat. I imagined that the bear would like to bring their fresh catch of salmon home so they could have a little midnight snack lat the end of their day. That’s where the inspiration for this paper sculpture came from and my idea behind this piece.
This bear’s furry coat is made from very thin, hand-cut, pieces of paper. It is a very slow, tedious process to create his furry coat, but it is also rewarding to see the bear come to life. I like the challenge of creating paper sculptures that are realistic, but also with a whimsical flair. “Snack Time” is available for purchase.
Where Are All My Baby Sea Turtles?
I started working on this project after reading about the baby sea turtles and the adventures they must go through just to survive. Researching sea turtles really sparked my interest and inspired me to create an entire series of paper sculptures with an under the sea theme.
I have created many different pieces and parts for my Under the Sea themed aquariums. I made sea turtles, seashells, sea anemone, sea plants, starfish, rocks, coral and lots and lots of hand cut paper sand.
I started working on this project after reading about the baby sea turtles and the adventures they must go through just to survive. Researching sea turtles really sparked my interest and inspired me to create an entire series of paper sculptures with an under the sea theme. Many of these finished pieces highlight sea turtles and their lives and some of the finished pieces reflect the beautiful under water world that exits in our oceans.
After a sea turtle hatches from its’ egg, they must work their way down the sandy beach til they reach the water. For the first ten years of their lives, scientists aren’t exactly certain where the sea turtles live. I imagine they will thrive living among the coral reefs.
I found that to be so interesting which started me on a path of creating interesting ways of showcasing a variety of different under the water scenes. I thought you may be wondering where all these baby sea turtles have gone, and how did I incorporate them into my art. Here are some close up views of the sea turtles along with the finished aquariums.
Sandcastle Surprise - Paper Sculpture by Melinda
Sandcastle Surprise is reminiscent of building sandcastles at the beach. What does evey sandcastle need? A seahorse of course!
The paper sculpture “Sandcastle Surprise” is a nod to the summer fun at the beach. Because every castle needs a horse, what better creature to highlight inside this under-the-sea aquarium than a seahorse.
I wanted to draw attention to this fish, to show off his unusual shape, prehensile tail and large eyes. I also wanted to showcase this special paper sculpture adding light to emphasize a day at the beach.
Hopefully this paper sculpture will bring you a smile and remind you of the simple pleasures in life, such as building sandcastles at the beach.
“Sandcastle Surprise” is created from acid-free and archival papers and painted in watercolor and gouache. This sculpture can set on a tabletop, or it can be displayed with the rotating, lighted base as shown here. The electric base changes colors or can be set to stay on one solid color such as red, white, or blue.
The paper sculpted base with glass measures 4” in dia. x 7.5“ high.
The rotating base is 4.5” in diameter x 1“ high. $950.00
“Sandcastle Surprise” is available for purchase - Click the Link to my SHOP.
“Sandcastle Surprise”
Paper Sculpture of a Blue Crab In the Ocean
A paper sculpture of an under the sea theme scenery. The ocean view includes a blue crab and tropical fish swimming in a coral reef setting displayed inside a glass cloche.
I'm thrilled to share with you "Who Let the Crab In?" - a mesmerizing, three-dimensional sculpture that captures the beauty of an under the sea world.
“Who Let the Crab In?” is available for purchase through Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC. You can view this piece in person or online at Seaside Art Gallery
Measuring at 4.5" high and 4" wide, this stunning piece is made using hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache. The intricate details and vibrant colors mimic organic forms like sea plants, sea anemones, and coral, creating a fluid and dynamic composition that is truly captivating.
I was inspired to create this under the sea paper sculpture because I’ve always been fascinated by the mysteries of the ocean and wanted to bring a piece of it into the spotlight. Featuring a blue crab and set against a bed of sand, this miniature under the sea world is displayed under a clear glass dome, adding a touch of elegance and protection to the piece.
One of the most unique aspects of creating this artwork was the process itself. Each element was meticulously crafted by hand, resulting in a labor of love that truly shines through in the final product.
I hope "Who Let the Crab In?" sparks your imagination and allows you to escape into a world of wonder and enchantment. It's a true labor of love that I am proud to share with the world.
Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes peeks at my creative process.
Paper Sea Turtles - Part Five
Part Six - I decided to make some sea turtles out of paper and paint to go inside my Under the Sea Aquariums.
Sea Turtles
I’ve always heard many stories and read articles about the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches, and then when the baby turtles hatch, somehow, they have to make their way to the beach. It is a long trek and can be a dangerous one for these little animals.
I decided I wanted to make several final images using my under the sea aquarium concept to highlight sea turtles. I want to show some of the sea turtles still on the beach, hatching out of their eggs.I also wanted to illustrate the concept of the long, difficult journey that these sea turtles have to take to crawl back into the ocean.
Now that I had an idea in mind, along with some rough sketch ideas, I was well underway to developing my under the sea series, complete with sea turtles.
I started making a couple of different sea turtles using paper and then painting them in watercolor and gouache. They are about 1” - 2” in size. I love this turtles little face!
The babies are only about .5 inches. After making these adorable little sea turtles I got to work on creating their little eggs. Below are photos of some of the turtles I made so far.
Next, I will make some colorful starfish for my under the sea aquariums.
Creating Sea Anemones out of Paper and Paint - Part Four
Sea anemones are unusual creatures and a joy to watch. They look so peaceful and graceful as they move their tentacles over their bodies. Recreating the gently moving tentacles out of paper was a challenge and it took some experimentation to discover which type of paper to use.
Sea Anemone
Sea anemones are unusual creatures and a joy to watch. They look so peaceful and graceful as they move their tentacles over their bodies. But, don’t be fooled by the graceful dance of this under the sea flower, because they will sting to catch their prey. Looks can be deceiving.
Recreating the gently moving tentacles out of paper was a challenge and it took some experimentation to discover which type of paper to use. I feel I captured the feeling of these interesting, but sometime dangerous creatures.