Paper Mache Crafts and Folk Art

Paper mache crafts use simple materials: recycled newspapers and paste. Any paper mache paste formula you choose from the recipes below will work well with most paper mache crafts. When makeing paper mache crafts with children it's best to avoid glues made with wallpaper paste or wheat paste because those commercial glues contain chemical additives to prevent mold. Instead, you can make a home-cooked mold-inhibiting kid-friendly paper mache paste from flour, water and salt. Or you can mix kid-safe white glue with water.

Here are a few links to different paper mache paste recipes, starting with the most basic (and kid-friendly) formulas. Store home made paper mache paste in refrigerator, in a covered plastic or glass container. I've kept paper mache paste for 4 days in the refrigerator without any spoilage problems.

My Favorite Paper Mache Paste Recipe - I used this "professional grade" home made papier mache paste to make Halloween ghoul decorations.

Glue and Water - mix 3 parts white glue with 1 part water.

Basic uncooked paper mache paste - mix equal parts of flour and cold water together until smooth and creamy. Store unused paste in the refrigerator or discard after 3 days.

Basic cooked paper mache paste - measure out 5 parts water to 1 part flour. Heat 4 parts water to boiling. Mix remaining 1 part cold water with the flour and stir in 2 Tablespoons salt (mold inhibitor). Mix until all lumps are dissolved. Slowly add the flour, salt and water mixture to the boiling water and stir well to combine. Cook over moderate heat, boiling, for about 3 minutes. Cool. Add a few drops of peppermint or vanilla flavoring if desired. Please don't eat the paste.

Tinted Paper Mache Paste - great for aged look paper mache, this paste imparts a tea-stained or aged look to your work.

Paper Mache Paste Recipes - a list of various paper mache past formulas compiled at About.com .

Tips and tricks for working with paper mache.

Paper mache is easy, fun and messy. You'll want to protect work surfaces, floors and clothing so you don't end up with a sticky mess. Here are
my tips for working with paper mache.

Wear old clothing or a butcher-type apron; roll up sleeves or wear a short sleep shirt.

Cover work surface with newspapers or plastic drop cloths. I like to use a trash bag cut open and across the bottom. When your paper mache project is finished you can roll up the mess and throw it into the trash.

Wear think plastic or latex gloves when you work with paper mache; your hands will thank you, and if the phone rings while you're working with paper mache you can pull off a glove faster than you can clean paste from your hands.

Have a few wet paper towels handy to mop up spills. A bowl of clean water is handy, too.

Wet and finger finger-squeege a few strips at a time and drape them over the edge of your bowl for a minute or so. This lets the paste sink into the paper fibers and makes it flexible.

Only apply 3 layers of paper mache at each session; several days of thin layers will yield a stronger form with less chance of mold.

Allow paper mache to dry 12-24 hours or more between pasting sessions.

Photo: paper mache cat by wallygrom via Flickr.com CC license.

Paper mache clay allows you to create sculpted and finely detailed objects. Paper mache clay is often combined with traditional paper mache to add raised features on the smooth paper mache surface. Some artists work solely with paper mache clay to create lightweight sculptures that don't require kiln firing.

Ultimate Paper Mache is a terrific place to find inspirational and creative crafts made with paper mache and paper mache clay. Their web site has a DIY recipe for home made paper mache clay.

NOTE: Home made paper mache clay is not intended for use by children, but you can buy sinple paper mache pulp that's kid-safe for children over 8 years old.