Paper Mache Tutorial

Paper Mache is an easy, inexpensive and eco-friendly craft project. Paper mache can be used to make piñatas, bowls, houses, or ornaments. Paper mache can be complicated if you choose to create several pieces that need to be dry separately and then pieced together, or simple if you create an easy paper mache bowl or ornament.
Paper mache is made with products that are found in most households. Teaching a child the art of paper mache will help them learn about recycling or upcycling everyday items. It is a great way to recycle gift wrap, scrapbooking scraps, newspapers, or magazines.

Step 1

Decide on the item you will be making. If you are making a ball, bowl, or ornament a balloon can be used to shape your paper mache item on. If you are making a flat sheet of paper mache to be built into a house or other structure you will form the sheets of paper mache on top of wax paper.

Step 2

Blow up your balloon or lay out your wax paper.

Step 3

Prepare your paper by ripping it into strips. Part of the reason why paper mache works is because the paper is torn allowing various layers of the paper to be penetrated by the flour and water mixture. A good size for the strips is one inch by four inches.

Step 4

Prepare the paper mache solution by mixing three parts water with one part flour. Mix the solution with a spoon until smooth. Blow up your balloon to the size you want your paper mache item to be.

Step 5

Submerge the paper strips in the solution. Make sure that the paper is wet and apply it to your balloon smoothing out the strips with your hands as you place them on the balloon. If you are making a mark your balloon with a maker to note where your paper placement needs to end. If you are making a flat piece lay the damp paper on your wax paper. If you are making a pinata be sure to leave an opening large enough to place the candy in.

Step 6

Allow your paper mache to dry for 24 hours. Place your balloon in a cup to allow it to keep its form when drying.

Step 7

Pop the balloon once the craft is dry. If you are putting candy in your pinata once finished put a few fresh layers of paper soaked in paper mache solution to cover the whole.

Step 8

Apply craft paint to your dried paper mache creation.

Skill

> Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

> Scrap paper (newsprint, scrapbook paper, old cards, or magazines)
> Balloon
> Marker
> 1 part flour
> 3 parts water
> Bowl
> Large spoon
> Wax paper
> Paintbrush
> Craft paint
> Mug

Tips

> Other paper mache solutions include mixtures of wallpaper paste and water or glue and water.

Keywords

> Paper Machete
> Paper mache
> eco crafting
> crafts

Reference

Paper Mache Recipes
Paper Mache