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 is smooth. (Be sure to use this quick-drying papier-mache immediately, while it is fresh and workable.)
PAPIER-MACHE FROM FLOUR
This may be the simplest papier-mache recipe of all, and it certainly works in a pinch. Most families probably already have all of the necessary materials on hand.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of water
2 cups of white flour (unsifted)
1 tablespoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large bowl, combine water, flour and salt. Stir well with a wooden spoon, until mixture becomes smooth and pasty. Flour-based papier-mache should be used right away, while it holds its best consistency.
FORMING PAPIER-MACHE
After preparing your papier-mache mixture, you will be ready to begin your art and craft project.
Dip the newsprint strips, one at a time, into your papier-mache mixture (whichever of the three papier-mache recipes you have prepared). Be sure to coat the newsprint paper thoroughly.
Slide each papier-mache coated newsprint strip between two fingers to remove gloppy excesses. Now place the coated paper onto your papier-mache model, pattern or form. Smooth out the wrinkles.
Continue this process until you have completely covered your papier-mache model, pattern or form. Allow it to dry completely (probably overnight) before painting your completed papier-mache project with acrylic, poster or tempera paints.
Papier-mache is a terrific tactile craft for adults and children of all ages.