Papier Mâché Friends
Would you believe it took me four years to finish these paper-mâché characters? Along the way, I had to learn how to sculpt naive facial features, create body patterns, and—most challenging of all—knit. I could have shared this a year and a half ago, but as a classic overthinker, I kept wondering if they were truly ready. And, of course, I wanted to showcase them in fall, when knitwear finally feels at home (let's be honest, a Maryland summer would never do them justice!).
I crafted their heads from cardboard and repurposed paper bags, then used linen for the bodies—a fabric I fell in love with one winter at my grandmother's, sleeping on her homemade linen sheets in a drafty room. Those sheets were decades old, but their fibers were as strong and smooth as ever. Working without a strict plan, I chose fabric dyes that complemented each character’s head, embracing the imperfections of the process. Finally, I decided they should wear knitted outerwear, though I knew nothing about knitting. Thankfully, my wonderful mother-in-law crafted their cardigans and taught me to knit the rest myself—a skill I’m so proud to have learned.
I began designing these characters in the winter of 2020, several months into the pandemic. Like so many, I was struggling mentally, and turned to one of my passions, paper-mâché, to cope with stress and deep homesickness. The creative flow kept me grounded.
Meet Rabbit, Fox, and Cat—three friends who support each other like family. Rabbit is strong-willed, holding onto memories of family far away. Fox, shy and gentle, often wonders about their place in the world, sometimes grappling with self-doubt. But Rabbit’s strength and encouragement remind them of their worth, teaching them about self-love. Finally, Cat is the adventurous one, bold and resilient, though sometimes weary from life’s challenges. Together, they represent the importance of curiosity, learning, and adapting to life’s circumstances.
These characters remind me every day to keep exploring, stay curious, and cherish the journey of growth.
