Calling all crafty folk - How do we make a toucan beak?

[meliss8599]

DD10 has to create a model of a toucan for a school project. She has some cute ideas for the body (either styrofoam balls covered with black feathers or boa OR paper mache) but we're struggling with how to make the large curved beak.

Is there a certain way to fold paper? Could we do paper mache over maybe a banana? I Googled for ideas but nothing was of much help so your creativeness is much appreciated!

 

[OK!]

The first thing that came to mind was maybe carving a foam cone into the shape you want. Most craft stores should have them over where you can find the foam balls of various sizes, etc. I'm not sure if they'll have the right size or anything, but if you're going to be looking in that area of the store anyway, it might not hurt to take a look. I know Hobby Lobby carries various sizes of cones as well as the tools to carve them (or at least they did when I worked there a few years ago.)

Good luck!

 

[Imzadi]

Plaster Craft gauze

You cut & dip these gauze strips in water. Form it around some waterproof curved item. It turns to plaster and holds a nice rigid shape. Then you can paint it. I used this gauze in kids art crafts & they love how easy it is to work with.

it is a LOT easier and a lot less messy than making paper mache.

 

[Silent1CB]

Plaster Craft gauze

You cut & dip these gauze strips in water. Form it around some waterproof curved item. It turns to plaster and holds a nice rigid shape. Then you can paint it. I used this gauze in kids art crafts & they love how easy it is to work with.

it is a LOT easier and a lot less messy than making paper mache.

I swear there is nothing you don't know. I know google is your friend, but you always have the best answers. Looks like a cool product that reminds me of when they put my body cast on. What fun someone could have with that stuff.