How to Make Paper Mache Boxes

When kids are bored at home or you wish to engage in a fun craft project, have you given making paper mache boxes a thought? Call it paper mache or Papier-mâché, with this craft you can put old newspaper into good use. Regardless of age, paper mache crafts are one of the best pastime and can be done any time of the day. There are many projects which uses the help of paper mache like piñatas, masks, solar system, molds of animals and birds, and tissue paper flowers. And today, we will learn how to make paper mache gift boxes. So let's not waste anymore time and get right to it.

Paper Mache Recipes

Before we can begin with our craft project, you need to decide which of the two common recipes are you going to use. You can either use flour, water, and newspaper, or glue, water, and newspaper. I know that this sounds like a messy ordeal, but if you wish to learn to make boxes by using paper mache, then you've got to choose either of the recipes mentioned below.

Recipe #1

• Gather the ingredients - 1 part flour, 3 parts water, and old newspaper. You can use other craft or scrap paper as well.
• In a bowl, add flour first and then slowly add water to make a smooth paste.
• Stir with a spoon. For use, dip strips of newspaper into the paste and use.
• If you have leftover paste, put in a jar and store inside the refrigerator. This will preserve the paste.

Recipe #2

• Gather the ingredients - 2 parts white glue, 1 part warm water, and old newspaper. You can use other craft or scrap paper as well.
• In a bowl, add water and then the glue to make a smooth mixture.
• Use a spoon to mix, dip strips of newspaper into the paste and use.

Make Large Paper Mache Boxes

You can use different sizes and shapes of boxes for this project. Depending on what you will be using the boxes for later on, there are several choices; you can make oval, round, rectangular, heart-shaped, or even square boxes. Once you have decided what you will be using the boxes for and select the size, go through the following steps to make the boxes.

• Get the paper mache mixture (flour or glue), scissors, newspaper or craft paper, and the boxes.
• You want to make long, thin strips of newspaper or craft paper.
• As for the paper mache mixture, make sure that it doesn't turn lumpy or thick while using it. If so, then add a little water to get the right consistency.
• Dip one strip of newspaper in the mixture so that it gets coated properly.
• When you lift the newspaper strip, remove extra mixture off it, using your index and middle finger.
• Take the cover of the box and place the strip over it. Make sure it is flat and isn't bunched up anywhere.
• Keep placing the strips till you have one good layer on the cover and outside the box.
• Leave the box aside and let the first layer dry completely. You can add another layer to make the box even more sturdy.

Once the layers are completely dry, you can paint over the boxes and/or use embellishments to decorate paper mache boxes. Tie a pretty ribbon on top (with a gift inside, of course) and give it to someone special. The steps are simple to follow, and once you have the items you require, it doesn't really take that much time also. Now let's see how you can put it to good use. All the best!