Papier-mâché (or papier-mâché) is an easy-to-make, rigid material that can be used to cover surfaces of various kinds. It is often used to make objects such as bowls or trays suitable for holding fruit, house and car keys, or simply used as ornaments. The surface can be painted easily, so the object can be decorated in various ways with bright colors and designs that finish it off.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the glue and paper
Step 1. Choose a suitable glue
You can make it yourself or buy it. By mixing water and flour you can get an excellent glue, quick to make and non-toxic. Alternatively you can use wallpaper glue, you just need to follow the instructions on the package.
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To make the glue with water and flour:
- Mix 250 ml of water and 65 g of flour.
- Stir until smooth, with the density of cooking cream.
Make Your Own Papier Mâché Bowl Step 2 Step 2. Tear the paper into strips about 2–3 cm wide
Part 2 of 3: Add paper to the shape
Make Your Own Papier Mâché Bowl Step 3 Step 1. Choose a suitable shape
Beginners should start with a simple bowl or something similar. Those with more experience can indulge themselves with other forms.
Make Your Own Papier Mâché Bowl Step 4 Step 2. Cover the shape with petroleum jelly
Roll out a thick layer, so that it is then easy to peel off the papier-mâché. If you don't put in enough petroleum jelly, the papier-mâché could break when you try to peel it off the mold. If the shape you have chosen allows it you can cover it completely with transparent film that you will fix with adhesive tape, if necessary, in the points where you will not have to apply the strips of paper.
Wallpaper glue will not stick to the cling film
Make Your Own Papier Mâché Bowl Step 5 Step 3. Dip a strip of paper into the glue
Remove the excess - the paper should be covered but not dripping. Place the paper on the shape and make it adhere by smoothing it. Repeat the process until the bowl is completely covered with a layer of paper.
Make Your Own Papier Mâché Bowl Step 6 Step 4. Let the first layer dry for an hour or two, then apply a second layer and let it dry overnight so the base of the bowl will harden well
Leave it in a warm, dry place.
Make Your Own Papier Mâché Bowl Step 7 Step 5. The next day apply a few more layers of paper to strengthen the bowl and thicken it
Let it dry, and repeat the process until you get a thickness of 1 or 2 cm.
- It may take a few days for the bowl to dry, but it is an important step to make sure the bowl doesn't warp, is tough, and doesn't mold from moisture.
- While drying, touch the bowl and check that there are no damp spots left.
Part 3 of 3: Peel the papier mache from the shape
Make Your Own Papier Mâché Bowl Step 8 Step 1. Once it is completely dry, peel the papier-mâché from the shape
Insert a spatula between the paper and the shape, pry a little and peel them off.
Make Your Own Papier Mâché Bowl Step 9 Step 2. Decorate
Now the bowl can be decorated however you like. You can use the technique of collage, decoupage, you can paint it, you can glue wrapping paper, etc. Before moving on to the next step, make sure your work is dry.
If you want you can apply a coat of emulsion and paint with acrylic colors
Step 3. Wipe the clear coat over the bowl to protect it from dust and liquids
Remember: the bowl cannot be used for food - it is only a decorative object. You can use it as an ornament or object holder.
Advice
- If you liked making this item you can also try making bracelets, coasters, pen holders, jewelry holders, just about anything.
- This is a very suitable activity for children, and it is not dangerous at all.
Warnings
- Patience is very important. Don't rush things and don't put too many layers without letting them dry well between them, otherwise it will take longer to dry and there will also be a risk that damp spots can get moldy.
- You will need old clothes and an apron, because the glue will not go off the clothes.
