3 Simple Papier-Mache Recipes

Papier-mache is a medium employed in certain art and craft projects, using shredded paper and glue or paste to form sculptured shapes. In French, the word papier-mache actually means "chewed paper" (using the same Latin etymological root as the English word "masticate"). Indeed, papier-mache is an appealing paper-craft for adults and children, a project you can really sink your teeth into.

Papier-mache is ideal for making masks, animal shapes, wall sculptures, science fair project visuals and even party piñatas.

How to Prepare Newsprint for Papier-Mache

Of course, any papier-mache project will require several strips of newsprint paper. Old newspapers are super for papier-mache purposes.

Tear or cut newspaper into strips, approximately one inch wide. Set newsprint strips aside in a dry place.

Use extra newspaper sheets or a wipe-off tablecloth to cover your work surface before proceeding. Roll up your sleeves. Papier-mache projects can get a little messy.

Three Simple Recipes for Papier-Mache

Here are three easy recipes for making papier-mache at home, at school or in the workshop. Try wallpaper paste-based, glue-based or flour-based papier-mache. Pick any of the three recipe options, depending on your crafty prowess and pantry stock.

Wallpaper Paste-Based Papier-Mache Recipe

Traditional papier-mache artists may insist on using wallpaper paste-based papier-mache mixture for their art and craft projects. Mix this up yourself, using powdered wallpaper paste, or purchase the pre-mixed paste at home decorating and paint stores.

Professional wallpaper paste, usually clay- or wheat-based, often contains a fungicidal ingredient, which can be a plus for art and craft projects.

However, for children's art and craft projects, the non-toxic glue- or flour-based papier-mache recipes are recommended. After all, children do tend to put their hands on the faces and in their mouths. Although no papier-mache mixture will be tasty or appealing, children may surprise us.

Ingredients Needed for Wallpaper Paste-Based Papier-Mache Recipe

1 package wallpaper paste
Water (as instructed on package labeling)

Easy Instructions for Wallpaper Paste-Based Papier-Mache Recipe

Follow manufacturers' instructions for mixing up wallpaper paste. For the best papier-mache, try to use a bit less water than instructed. Use your wallpaper paste-based papier-mache mixture immediately, or keep it tightly covered and refrigerated until you are ready to complete your papier-mache art and craft project.

Simple Glue-Based Papier-Mache Recipe

You can use basic white craft or school non-toxic glue to make a very effective quick-drying papier-mache mixture. (You can purchase large bottles of white glue at craft and office supply stores.)

Ingredients Needed for Glue-Based Papier-Mache Recipe

1 cup warm water
2 cups white glue (not paste)

Easy Instructions for Glue-Based Papier-Mache Recipe

In a large bowl, combine water and glue. Stir well with a wooden spoon until mixture is smooth. (Be sure to use this quick-drying papier-mache immediately, while it is fresh and workable.)

Super-Simple Flour-Based Papier-Mache Recipe

This may be the simplest papier-mache recipe of all, and it certainly works in a pinch. Most families probably already have all of the necessary materials on hand.

Ingredients Needed for Flour-Based Papier-Mache

2 cups of water
2 cups of white flour (unsifted)
1 tablespoon salt

Easy Instructions for Flour-Based Papier-Mache

In a large bowl, combine water, flour and salt. Stir well with a wooden spoon, until mixture becomes smooth and pasty. Flour-based papier-mache should be used right away, while it holds its best consistency.

How to Use Papier-Mache

Once you have prepared your papier-mache mixture, you will be ready to begin your art and craft project.

One at a time, dip newsprint strips into your papier-mache mixture (whichever of the three papier-mache recipes you have prepared). Be sure to coat the newsprint paper thoroughly.

Slide each papier-mache coated newsprint strip between two fingers to remove gloppy excesses. Now place the coated paper onto your papier-mache model, pattern or form. Smooth out the wrinkles.

Continue this process until you have completely covered your papier-mache model, pattern or form. Allow it to dry completely (probably overnight) before painting your completed papier-mache project with acrylic, poster or tempera paints.

That's all you need for papier-mache perfection.