Paper Mache- Pre-made and Making Your Own

Paper mache is material consisting of paper/pulp combined with a glue/paste.  There are several different recipes for the paste and pulp used in paper mache. Paper mache paste can be purchased, or made with starch, flour & water, or a mixture of wood glue and water.

How to Paper Mache

• Find a base -- you can use masking tape and cardboard to create almost any shape. You can also use chicken wire, or anything already the shape you want such as a basket, bowl, or box. Balloons are popular if you want a hollow item. Just pop it when the paper mache is dry. You can also purchase paper mache sets.
• Make your Paste -- Buy a pre-made paste and follow the instructions, or mix 1 part water with your glue or starch.
• Tear newspaper into strips; strips should be 1"-2" wide, and the length will depend on the size of your project. Torn strips will lay smoother than cut strips.
• Dip one strip at a time into the paste.  Strips should be completely covered.  Be generous!
• Stick the strip over the form that you are working with, smoothing it with your fingers.
• Completely cover your form/base, and let it dry (this can take up to 24 hours).  If you use Activa Fast Mache, you will significantly reduce the drying time.
• Add a second layer of strips for strength.
• Repeat until you get the effect you are looking for, usually three or more layers.
• Paint and decorate!

 

Pre-made Paper Mache Items

• Craft Pedlars makes a wide variety of paper mached objects, which can be painted, decoupaged, or embellished.
• They come in a cardboard brown color, and are easier to paint over than the traditional newspaper used in paper mache.
• Paper Mache boxes can be purchased and decorated for storage of dry items like jewelry

Brands with Paper Mache Products

• Activa - quick-drying paste
• Craft Pedlars - forms
• AMACO - paste

Project Ideas and Inspiration

• Ornaments -- wrap around a styrofoam ball, or purchase a premade one
• Boxes -- buy a pre-made one, or paper mache over a cardboard box.
• Letters -- build the letter using cardboard and masking tape, or buy one and decorate!
• Piñatas -- use a balloon for the part that holds the candy and pop it when the paper mache is dry. You can also use an empty box.
• Jewelry -- buy a pre-made shape and decorate. You can also make beads.
• Bowls -- you can use a bowl you already have, and remove it after it's dry.
• Masks -- buy a cheap plastic one, paper mache over it, and make your own painted design.
• Jewelry boxes -- you can get them pre-made or decorate your own.
• Volcanoes -- build it around chicken wire, and fill with baking soda and vinegar for a fun science lesson.

 

For more project ideas, visit ThinkCrafts.com!