Have you ever thought about how to do 3D art-good looking? Picture a large, life-like sculpture made from paper. That’s exactly what paper mache does! This is such an exciting craft about hundreds of years old. It is one way, so easy, to create fantastic works of art.
Paper mache is extremely versatile and is an inexpensive art medium. Masks, sculptures, bowls, and even furniture can all be created with this. This guide will give you a full step-by-step method. You can now create your own successful paper mache projects.
You also have to obtain all the materials to begin your paper mache journey. Gather all the supplies beforehand to make the process less painful and enjoyable.
Paper types for Paper Mache
Paper is the mainstay of this craft. Newspaper is one of the cheapest and easiest to source. You can tear it easily and mold it well. Paper towels would be more absorbent and give a smoother finish. Add construction paper for instant color.
There are pros and cons to each paper. For bigger projects, newspaper works well. Paper towels are great for concentrating on detail. Most beginning users choose newspaper because it is cheap and simple to work with.
Choosing the Right Paper Mache Paste
Paste keeps holding everything together. The old-time standard is made of flour, water, and flour; glue-based paste worked on school glue and water; or premade paste; they are proprietary and a little expensive.
Here’s an easy recipe for flour paste: 1 cup flour and 1 cup cold water; stir until smooth, and after it’s mixed, add 2 cups boiling water. Cook on low heat, stirring the whole time, until it thickens. Cool before use.
Use flour paste for big projects; glue paste works well for small, detailed items. Right paste: your project shall not fail.
Essential Tools for Paper Mache
Besides paper and paste, you’re going to need a few tools. Bowls are needed for holding your paste. Brushes make sure the paste is applied smoothly. Scissors cut the paper. Protective coverings protect your workspace.
Use bowls and brushes from previous projects. Newspaper or plastic tablecloths work as cheap coverings. Having all the right tools makes the job much easier.
Preparing Your Workspace for Paper Mache
Preparation is key to smoothly flowing paper mache production. Protect your working surface and have all your materials set up for easy access. Take all the necessary safety precautions.
Protect Your Work Surface
Because paper mache tends to get quite messy, protect your table with newspapers. Plastic tablecloths also work well. Drop cloths are great for larger areas.
Use the disposable covering for easy cleanup: just toss it out when you’re done. Clean makes the crafts process enjoyable.
Organizing Your Materials for Accessibility
Organizing materials needs to be easy for use. Keep the paper, paste, and tools at arms’ reach. This will help you work in an efficient way.
An organized space saves time; you will not stop to look for supplies. An orderly workstation keeps you in the right frame of mind.
Safety Procedures for Paper Mache
Do your work in well-ventilated areas. This will help prevent you from inhaling too much of the fumes. Do not allow the paste to get into your eyes. Wash your hands after working with paper mache.
These precautions will shelter your safety and uphold a pleasant time. In every instance, safety before fun in a craft situation.
A Stepwise Paper Mache Procedure
Ready to get those hands stuck? This is the section where the process at the core is imparted to you. Learn how to shape your form. You will also see the application paper mache.
Forming Your Paper Mache
The form is an important part of your project. You need balloons, cardboard, or a wire setup. Balloons are perfect for round shapes. Cardboard is suited for designs with angles. Wire can be used to fabricate complicated shapes.
So, how do you make a paper mache bowl? Inflate a balloon. When you want to make the bowl, cover the whole balloon with layers of paper mache. Let it dry, and then pop the balloon. Voila! You have a bowl.
The First Layer of Paper Mache Application
Tear or cut paper into strips. Dip each strip in the paste and apply it to the form with slight overlaps.
Smoothing out any lumps will save the day. Remove excess paste. This first layer serves as a guide. It also provides strength to the structure.
Building Additional Layers Will Strengthen It
More layers give more strength. Two to three layers will suffice for small projects. Bigger projects could require five or more. Make sure to let each layer dry before laying on a new one.
Use a fan to help dry things faster. A warm room helps too. It is important to build up as many layers as it will make your project stronger and long-lasting!
Final Touches and Decoration of Your Paper Mache Work
The last steps are the ones that birth your project. Sand and smooth out your surface; Paint and seal your work. Add embellishments.
Sanding and Smoothing Your Paper Mache
A drying paper mache will now have a rough surface. Sanding helps for a smooth finish. Start working with sandpaper of a coarser grit and move on to finish sanding with an even finer grit.
For initial sanding, 120-grit sandpaper will be used and finished with 220-grit. Sanding enhances the looks and feel while giving a nice surface for painting.
Conclusion
What is making paper mache so rewarding and creative is the whole process involved in preparing raw material, setting up a workspace, carrying the form, and applying the paper mache. When the project is complete, it can be finished off with a creative flourish.
