How To Make Paper Mache

In this article, we will take a look at some easy and fun ways to make paper mache for craft activities!
Papier mache, also known as paper mache, is easy to make. Using paper mache to make crafts items like ornaments, figurines and other shapes is very economical and also eco-friendly. This is because it uses waste paper in the form of old newspapers, stationery, gift wrapping or any other kind of left-over paper.

Below are three easy ways for creating paper mache. If you are making it to prepare large ornamental items with it, it is best to shape such items around cartons, cans and even inflated balloons. Balloons, in particular, are excellent for spherical items.

Method I
For the first recipe, you will need flour, water and a good supply of recyclable paper. You begin by stirring three parts water into one part flour until a smooth and creamy mixture results. It is best to add a few drops of oil of wintergreen so that the paste has a longer shelf life. Wintergreen oil is obtainable at most drugstores. After stirring it all together properly, the paper mache paste is ready for use.

Then follows the paper, which is of course the vital ingredient here. Old newspaper is highly recommended for this. You proceed to dip each piece of paper in the liquid mixture and then to apply each paste-covered piece of paper to the mold or shape.

Method II
For the second recipe, you will require wallpaper paste, water and paper. You can buy wallpaper paste at most hardware stores. The process is to mix one part of wallpaper paste with three parts water, then stirring well. You now have ready-to-use paste. Once again, you then pick up individual pieces of paper, dip them in the paste and apply them to the chosen shape.

Method III
For the third recipe, you will be using three ingredients, namely white glue, water and paper. The process involves mixing two parts of the white glue with one part of fairly warm water and then stirring properly to produce the paste. After this, the same shaping procedure as in the other recipes follows - dip your pieces of paper in the paste and apply them to the chosen shape.

For each of the above recipes, it is important to follow certain precautions in order to get the best results. Firstly, one should be sure to tear and not cut the newspaper into strips, since this increases absorption and adhering properties. Secondly, one should make sure that each piece of paper is thoroughly saturated with the chosen paste while dipping it in. Thirdly, it is important to allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next layer. This ensures the best possible hold and consistency.

Paper mache plays a big role in the Mexican version of Christmas, which goes under the name of Navidad there. The traditional festivities involve a so-called Piņata for the children. The piņata, which is made of paper mache, is crammed with a variety of goodies. The children have to break this piņata open while they are blindfolded. Once this is accomplished, the children dive to collect all the goodies they can pick up.

These were some ways in which you can create a paper mache. We hope that the information provided in this article would have proved to be useful to you.
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Last Updated: 12/7/2011
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