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Paper Mache- Pre-made and Making Your Own
Paper mache (papier-mâché in French) 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 mix 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.
- 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
- Darice and PA Essentials make 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 Celluclay
- Activa Fash Mache - quick-drying paste
- Activa Active-Wire – wire mesh for forming shapes
- AMACO – Claycrete Instant Paper Mache and Wheat Paste Powder
- PA Essentials - pre-made paper mache shapes
- Darice - pre-made paper mache shapes
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.
Projects Using Paper Mache
Old-Fashioned Angel Tree Topper
Christmas Tree Stocking Holders
Cute as a Button Pumpkin Picture
For more project ideas, visit ThinkCrafts.com!
