How to Make a Giant Papier Mache Snake for Your Wall + FREE TEMPLATE!

Watch the Step-by-Step Tutorial Video HERE!

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If you're looking to start a large paper mache sculpture, a snake is a great place to start. Inspired by the whale shark trend of late 2024, this project is simple and striking, making it perfect for beginners. Check out the build video here, or continue reading and I'll walk you through it with this detailed step-by-step tutorial. ​

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Step 1: Create Your Snake Template

• Sketch out your snake on a large sheet of poster board.  Or use the FREE printable template at the top of this article.
• Cut Out the Template – Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out your snake shape from the poster board.

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Step 2: Build a Corrugated Cardboard Base

• Start with some flat paenels cut from some cardboard shipping boxes. If you don't have a panel big enough, you can but them together. Make sure you align them so the corrugations (The wavy inner layer) runs in the same direction.
• Place your template on the cardboard, trace it with a marker, and cut it out with a craft knife. 

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Step 3: Reinforce the Base with a Second Layer

• Repeat the process with another piece of cardboard. This time, the corrugations should run in the opposite direction of the first.
• If your cardboard has a shiny, printed coating, scuff it with sandpaper before spreading on an even layer of white glue.
• Place some weights on top and let your snake dry for a few hours.

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Step 4: Create the Snake's Form

• Cut some thin cardboard (like from a cereal box) into strips. 
• Bend the strips into arcs and hot glue them onto the snake body, starting from the tail and working upwards.

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Step 5: Shape the Head

• Cut some small cardboard triangles to prop up the head and give it some nice angles.  Secure the triangles to the base with hot glue.
  
• Use more strips to form the head, bending and gluing them to the triangles you just placed.
• Fill in any gaps in the form with cardboard shapes cut to fit. 

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Step 6: Apply Paper Mache

• Apply a layer of paper mache to your snake. You can watch my paper mache basics video here, or read this article for the best paste recipe, the best paper to use, and lots of other great tips!
• Allow the first layer to dry thoroughly. Then add two or three more layers for strength. You can safely work wet-on-wet after the first dried layer.

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Step 7: Install a Hanger

• Cut a 15 cm (6") length of galvanized fencing wire, bend it into a loop and create two hooks in the ends.
• Use a sharp tool to make some holes in the cardboard back of your sculpture and poke the ends in.
• Use lots of hot glue around the wire entry points and reinforce with cardboard.
• Smooth over the joint with some paper mache.

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Step 8: Smooth and Prime the Surface

• If you'd like, you can spread some spackle over the snake's body for smoother finish. Feel free to skip this step! It's very messy!
• Once dry, sand the surface down for an even finish. Wear a respirator or N-95 mask to avoid inhaling dust.
• Prime the snake with household primer, gesso, or DIY primer. Check out this video or this article for my DIY gesso recipe.

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Step 9: Paint and Decorate

• Now you can paint your snake however you'd like.
• I gave my snake a matte black finish. It took two coats to get an even finish.
• I used dollar store butterfly stickers to give my snake a whimsical finish.

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