How to Make Paper Mache

Making things in paper mache is a great family friendly activity for all. It's simple and can be used to build around anything. In addition, the stuff isn't toxic, wasteful, or otherwise harmful, which makes it a very attractive activity. It can be extremely fun to create such things as pi�atas, masks, ornaments and even the planets for a science experiment. The way that it is made is very simple but first we need a few supplies. First is the obvious one and that is paper. You could used any kind that you can find such as old newspapers, magazines, or other recyclable paper. Water is also needed and shouldn't be a problem for any would be macher. Finally, some sort of paste-like material is needed in order to get the paper to stick. Really anything sticky to your knowledge can work such as white glue, stucko, wallpaper paste, and even the common baking material flour. Surely, you could use other methods of for sticky paste but those are the best I've found. These are all the materials needed to find out how to make paper mache.

With all the materials in hand we need to go about making the actual paste. A bowl will be needed for this step. First pour in some water for the mixture. Then add whatever material you choose above and begin to mix. You want something consistent and wet. Yes this will be a little messy but it will allow the paper to stick to itself when dried allowing it to form a design. With the paste ready all you need to do is stick the paper in and you have instant paper mache.

That is really all there is to this stuff, however, you will need to have some sort of object to place the mache on. If you don't have an item in mind may I first recommend using a balloon. Blow it up to the size you'd like then wrap it with your paper mache material. It's a bit like placing wallpaper actually. Once done, let the material dry and when it has go ahead and poke it with a needle. The balloon will pop but the form will stay! Now you can paint it or do whatever you wish with your creation. I hoped you enjoyed learning how to make paper mache.