How to Make Paper Mache Christmas Ornaments and Gifts

More people are making Christmas gifts and Christmas decorations due to economnic necessity. Along the way, they are discovering how much fun making handcrafts can be!

Here is a simple recipe for paper mache that can be adapted for many craft projects in any genre you might like.

Paper mache particularly lends itself well to Christmas decorations. The end result can be as primitive or high-end looking as you would like.

You can cover bowls and make different size containers for gifts. You can cover styrofoam balls to make ornaments.
Instructions:

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper
• All-purpose flour
• water
• paint: tempera or acrylic.
• spray sealer, or hairspray!
• Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

1. Step 1

   You can go one of two directions when you make paper mache for Christmas: use a mold that you remove or apply over a frame that will remain part of the project. I knew a local lady who made beautiful paper mache figures molded over wire forms. She marketed these across the United States.

2. Step 2

   You need to cover whatever surface you are using as a mold with petroleum jelly. If you are not removing the item and it is part of the project, of course, you don't need to do this. It is just to make the removal easier, and less-sticky.

3. Step 3

   You need to Mix One cup of flour and one cup of water . Whisk it to make a smooth paste. When you make paper mache for Christmas, you see it will be one of the cheapest crafts you could make!

4. Step 4

   You need to tear newspapers in strips. These strips should be around an inch wide and 3-5 inches long.

5. Step 5

   You will dip the strips one at a time into the paste. Remove the excess paste by running it through your fingers. Apply a total of 6 layers of strips, alternating horizontal with vertical.

6. Step 6

   Allow project to dry for 24 hours.

7. Step 7

   If the project was on a mold, carefully remove it.

8. Step 8

   Paint the project, and allow to dry. Admire your paper mache for Christmas project.

9. Step 9

   Spray with sealer, or if you don't have any, use a cheap hair spray.

Tips & Warnings

• You can store this paste in the fridge in a covered container for up to five days. Be careful it is clearly marked.