Halloween Paper Mache Decorations

Paper mache comes from the term papier mâché - "chewed paper" - and is one of the oldest forms of recycle art media. Paper mache refers to the process as well as the resulting artwork. Paper mache is simple to create, it's basically made with wet paste and torn or shredded paper applied to a mold or form or existing object. After you have enough paper layers glued to your design you can build up additional details or cut out features from the dried paper mache.

Paper mache or paper modelling crafts are eco-friendly and easy to make. All paper mache recipes begin with two basic ingredients: recycled newspapers and a wet paste.

Paste recipes range from simple flour and water or glue and water formulas to wheatpaste, wallpaper paste or more advanced combinations of adhesive glue, joint compound and linseed oil. For paper mache crafts with children, basic flour , salt and water or craft glue and water paper mache pastes are recommended, especially if you're working with preschooler age children.

When paper mache crafts dry they're hard, and surprisingly strong; if paper mache is built over a sturdy frame or armature you can use it to make large objects, statues or other props for Halloween parties and yard decorations. You can even use paper mache to make creepy skeletons, coffins and puppets!

More elaborate paper mache projects often incorporate strips of fabric to add texture and wrinkles.

The paper mache technique is used worldwide to create simple to elaborate folk art, masks, sculptures, theatrical props, furniture, home decorating items, pinatas, jewelry and all sorts of lightweight toys. It's easy enough for young children and challenging enough for professional artists; paper mache crafts satisify all ages and artistic abilities, and the materials are inexpensive, nontoxic and readily available.

Scare the willikers out of the neighbors or trick or treaters with this silently spooky flying monster you make with paper mache and a length of black tulle netting plus some black burlap. This is the flying ghoul \ decoration that inspired my Halloween paper mache craft project for our porch decorations last year. This spooky creation might be made from a gourd or paper mache; my frightful ghoul has a paper mache head with a similar spooky smile.

Photo credit: Ghoulish paper mache flying Halloween prop at Pennsylvania Ren-Faire, Lee Hansen

Basic paper mache requires lots of 1 to 2 inch wide strips of newspaper - torn, not cut - paper towels, tissue paper, paper mache paste and a form to shape your paper mache project. If you're making a mask you can use a ready-made paper or plastic mask as the basic form, or you can use a balloon, large bowl turned upside down, or a plastic gallon milk jug. You can also experiment with molding a double layer of aluminum foil over your face then place the foil on a wad of crumpled newspaper covered with a layer of plastic.

If you will be removing the mold after the paper mache dries, cover the form with a piece of aluminum foil or plastic wrap held in place with masking tape. If you use a balloon for your form, be sure to leave a hole near the bottom so you can pop the balloon and remove it after your paper mache is completely dry. To remove crumpled newspaper wads from large paper mache form, cut a hole in the back or bottom and pull out the wadding.

For large 3D molds you can use just about anything available that will give you the basic shape you need. For large round objects like pumpkins you can use a plastic trash bag filled with crumpled newspapers. Tape the bag closed and leave a stem. Cover the shape with a layer of newspapers taped securely with masking tape or duct tape.

Other mold and form materials include aluminum foil, floral foam, styrofoam shapes and blocks, ready-made masks, boxes, twisted wire, sticks or branches.

To make a skeleton many artists use an inexpensive plastic Halloween skeleton and cover it with masking tape to make it more receptive to the paper mache paste and strips. You don't want to go to all the work of covering those bones just to have the paper mache fall off after it dries.

When your project is dry use a craft knife or snips to cut out features, and trim edges, then apply paint!

Photo: doviende, Flickr