β˜… Paper MΓ’chΓ© Recipes, Masks & Projects | Paper Sculpture Ideas β˜…

Paper mache is one of the most versatile crafts around because almost any shape is possible - if you can imagine it, you can create it! It's also a fun activity for kids to join in with.

You can be as creative as you want with your projects, from building large sculptures and Halloween decorations, to making fancy dress masks, pretty bowls, props and life-size animals. You can also make us of your artistic skills by painting or adding an interesting surface effect to your creations.

I hope this page inspires you to have a go at papier mache!

THERE ARE 2 METHODS YOU CAN USE:
- The strip or laminating method is where paper is torn into strips and these strips are dipped in the paste and layered onto the surface you would like to cover. Newspaper is often used with this method.

- The pulp method is where a moldable mix is made from paper pulp and glue, and this clay material is built up over the surface you are covering. 3D details and shapes can be made with the pulp/clay - it doesn't have to be added in an even layer like the paper in the strip method does. Things like sawdust and sand can be added to the clay to create an interesting surface effect.

Often, the strip method is used first to make a smooth layer, then the pulp method is used to add the details and texture over the top.

Paper mache is an inexpensive craft and the most common paste is made from just glue and water - so it's really easy too. There are also LOADS of other recipes in existence which call for different ingredients, different proportions of materials and different ways of making the mix. When I first started paper mache the sheer volume of different recipes confused me, but it really doesn't matter which one you pick, because they all work!

There isn't much accuracy involved so the recipe possibilities are almost infinite. It's all open to experimentation and people have their own favourite way of doing things. Just pick a simple recipe to begin with and then maybe experiment with your own mixes or try other people's ideas. You'll find some recipes result in different qualities of surface finish, so just keep trying different ones until you find your favourite. Just don't stress about it like I did!

Some people boil their paper mache and some don't, some people like flour and water mixes and some don't. The most important thing to note is that if you stick with the common ingredients like glue, water and flour, it's difficult to go wrong. Note: If you do use a flour recipe, add some salt to try and prevent mold growing on it.

The 'form' i.e. the shape you would like to cover in paper mache, can be created with all sorts of materials including newspaper and tape, used plastic bottles and tins, cereal boxes, cardboard, tin foil, balloons, foam and chicken wire mesh. If you just need a mold i.e. something used to get the right shape but will be removed undamaged later - such as a bowl - then just cover the surface with a protective layer of plastic wrap or foil first.

To make your papier mache durable, remember to seal it with varnish or urethene sealant.

Below you will find recipes for different types of paste and pulp/clay to try out, plus some really impressive projects. If you don't want to make your own mix, you can also buy it. I hope you have fun :-)

Photo and bowl by Jeff Betz.