How to Make Paper Mache

Follow these simple steps and create wonderful paper mache masterpieces!


What You Need :

1. Paper Mache Paste
2. Newspaper
3. Paper Mache Form

Method :

1. Create your paper mache form and prepare your desired paper mache paste.
2. Tear newspaper into strips. The length of your strips may vary depending on the size of your paper mache project; however, you will want your strips to be about 1- to 2-inches wide.
3. Dip one piece of newspaper at a time into prepared paper mache paste. You want to newspaper strip saturated.
4. Hold the strip over the paste bowl and run it through your fingers to squeeze off excess paste.
5. Stick the newspaper strip over the form you want to paper mache, and smooth it down with your fingers.
6. Completely cover your creation with a layer of newspaper strips. They should all be over-lapping and running in different directions.
7. After one layer is applied, let it dry completely. This can take up to 24 hours.
8. Add a second layer of newspaper strips and let it dry completely.
9. Repeat this process until you get the desired effect, but you should have at least three layers of paper mache newspaper strips.
10. Paint, decorate and proudly display your creation!

Tips:

1. Tear the newspaper into strips -- do not cut it! Torn strips lay smoother.
2. Be generous when dipping the newspaper strips into the paste -- you want each piece thoroughly saturated!
3. Let each layer dry completely before adding another.
4. You can use the paper mache pulp recipes I share here to add extra detail to your form before, during of after you add the paper mache layers. This pulp recipe can be used like clay.
5. If you want to be one of the first to know when more paper mache and other craft projects are posted, take a few moments to sign up for the Family Crafts Newsletter.