Make paper mache art

Papier-mâché is a composite material consisting of paper pieces or pulp, sometimes reinforced with textiles, bound with an adhesive, such as glu

Upload New Main Image

Papier-mâché is a composite material consisting of paper pieces or pulp, sometimes reinforced with textiles, bound with an adhesive, such as glue, starch, or wallpaper

Two main methods are used to prepare papier-mâché; one makes use of paper strips glued together with adhesive, and the other uses paper pulp obtained by soaking or boiling paper to which glue is then added.

With the first method, a form for support is needed on which to glue the paper strips. With the second method, it is possible to shape the pulp directly inside the desired form. In both methods, reinforcements with wire, chicken wire, lightweight shapes, balloons or textiles may be needed.

The traditional method of making papier-mâché adhesive is to use a mixture of water and flour or other starch, mixed to the consistency of heavy cream. Other adhesives can be used if thinned to a similar texture, such as polyvinyl acetate-based glues (wood glue or, in the United States, white Elmer’s glue). Adding oil of cloves or other additives such as salt to the mixture reduces the chances of the product developing mold.

For the paper strips method, the paper is cut or torn into strips, and soaked in the paste until saturated. The saturated pieces are then placed onto the surface and allowed to dry slowly. The strips may be placed on an armature, or skeleton, often of wire mesh over a structural frame, or they can be placed on an object to create a cast. Oil or grease can be used as a release agent if needed. Once dried, the resulting material can be cut, sanded and/or painted, and waterproofed by painting with a suitable water-repelling paint.[1] Before painting any product of papier-mâché, the glue must be fully dried, otherwise mold will form and the product will rot from the inside out.

For the pulp method, the paper is left in water at least overnight to soak, or boiled in abundant water until the paper dissolves in a pulp. The excess water is drained, an adhesive is added and the papier-mâché applied to a form or, especially for smaller or simpler objects, sculpted to shape.

Add videos of this activity

Videos help others preview the activity. Upload videos to help inspire others

Upload video
    There are currently no videos

Add images of this activity

Images help others preview the activity. images videos to help inspire others

Upload image

Make paper mache art added by:

Nathan

This is Nathans about.

Last Edited by:

No modified author

Edit Activity

Help improve this activity by making an edit, adding details or images and videos

Create New Activity

Become an ExploreLife.Today contributor! Help inspire people from around the world discover an activity to do.

Become A Contributor
Categories:
  • Art
  • Sculpture
  • Crafts
  • Paper
  • Moods:
  • Calm
  • Creative
  • Feeling Calm
  • Impress Others
  • Impressed
  • Make Something Creative
  • Moods
  • Stressed
Upload New Main Image

Papier-mâché is a composite material consisting of paper pieces or pulp, sometimes reinforced with textiles, bound with an adhesive, such as glue, starch, or wallpaper

Two main methods are used to prepare papier-mâché; one makes use of paper strips glued together with adhesive, and the other uses paper pulp obtained by soaking or boiling paper to which glue is then added.

With the first method, a form for support is needed on which to glue the paper strips. With the second method, it is possible to shape the pulp directly inside the desired form. In both methods, reinforcements with wire, chicken wire, lightweight shapes, balloons or textiles may be needed.

The traditional method of making papier-mâché adhesive is to use a mixture of water and flour or other starch, mixed to the consistency of heavy cream. Other adhesives can be used if thinned to a similar texture, such as polyvinyl acetate-based glues (wood glue or, in the United States, white Elmer’s glue). Adding oil of cloves or other additives such as salt to the mixture reduces the chances of the product developing mold.

For the paper strips method, the paper is cut or torn into strips, and soaked in the paste until saturated. The saturated pieces are then placed onto the surface and allowed to dry slowly. The strips may be placed on an armature, or skeleton, often of wire mesh over a structural frame, or they can be placed on an object to create a cast. Oil or grease can be used as a release agent if needed. Once dried, the resulting material can be cut, sanded and/or painted, and waterproofed by painting with a suitable water-repelling paint.[1] Before painting any product of papier-mâché, the glue must be fully dried, otherwise mold will form and the product will rot from the inside out.

For the pulp method, the paper is left in water at least overnight to soak, or boiled in abundant water until the paper dissolves in a pulp. The excess water is drained, an adhesive is added and the papier-mâché applied to a form or, especially for smaller or simpler objects, sculpted to shape.

Add videos of this activity

Videos help others preview the activity. Upload videos to help inspire others

Upload video
    There are currently no videos

Add images of this activity

Images help others preview the activity. images videos to help inspire others

Upload image
Categories:
  • Art
  • Sculpture
  • Crafts
  • Paper
  • Moods:
  • Calm
  • Creative
  • Feeling Calm
  • Impress Others
  • Impressed
  • Make Something Creative
  • Moods
  • Stressed

Make paper mache art added by:

Nathan

This is Nathans about.

Last Edited by:

No modified author

Edit Activity

Help improve this activity by making an edit, adding details or images and videos

Create New Activity

Become an ExploreLife.Today contributor! Help inspire people from around the world discover an activity to do.

Become A Contributor

Additional Details:

icon

Price

0.00

icon

Time of the day

24 Hours

icon

Duration

15 to 60 hours

icon

Date Start

icon

Date End

icon

Season

icon

Hours

  • MON: 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM
  • TUE: -
  • WED: -
  • THU: -
  • FRI: -
  • SAT: -
  • SUN: -
icon

Children

YES

icon

Family

YES

icon

Adults

YES

icon

Indoor

YES

icon

Outdoor

NO

icon

At Home

YES

Add Resources

Add the resources & materials that people will need for this activity

Add a Resource

Add Optional Resources

Add resources & materials that are not required but can help improve the enjoyment of this activity

Sources and Attribution

Add sources for information relating to this activity

Add a Source