by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: October 13, 2008

PAPIER-MACHE HOW-TO's

Arts and crafts projects may use papier-mache to form sculptured shapes. Papier-mache (French for "chewed paper) employs shredded paper with a special paste or glue to create paper crafts.

Papier-mache is super for producing masks, animal shapes, wall sculptures, science fair project visuals and even party piatas.

SHREDDING NEWSPRINT PAPER

To begin a papier-mache project, you will require several strips of newsprint paper. Discarded newspapers are ideal.

Tear or cut newspaper into strips, approximately one inch wide. Set newsprint strips aside in a dry place.

Use extra newspaper sheets or a wipe-off tablecloth to cover your work surface before proceeding. Roll up your sleeves. Papier-mache projects can get messy.

3 EASY PAPIER-MACHE RECIPES

You can make your own papier-mache at home, at school or in the workshop. Try wallpaper paste-based, glue-based or flour-based papier-mache. Pick any of the three recipe options, depending on your crafty prowess and pantry stock.

PAPIER-MACHE FROM WALLPAPER PASTE

Traditional papier-mache artists often insist on using wallpaper paste-based papier-mache mixture for their art and craft projects. Mix this up yourself, using powdered wallpaper paste, or purchase the pre-mixed paste at home decorating and paint stores.

Professional wallpaper paste, usually clay- or wheat-based, often contains a fungicidal ingredient, which can be a plus for art and craft projects.

However, for children's art and craft projects, the non-toxic glue- or flour-based papier-mache recipes are recommended. After all, children do tend to put their hands on the faces and in their mouths. Although no papier-mache mixture will be tasty or appealing, children may surprise us.

INGREDIENTS:

1 package wallpaper paste

Water (as instructed on package labeling)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Follow THE manufacturers' instructions for mixing up wallpaper paste. For the best papier-mache, try to use a bit less water than instructed. Use your wallpaper paste-based papier-mache mixture immediately, or keep it tightly covered and refrigerated until you are ready to complete your papier-mache art and craft project.

PAPIER-MACHE FROM GLUE

You can use basic white craft or school non-toxic glue to make a very effective quick-drying papier-mache mixture. (You can purchase large bottles of white glue at craft and office supply stores.)

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup warm water

2 cups white glue (not paste)

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a large bowl, combine water and glue. Stir well with a wooden spoon until mixture

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