Paper Mache Checklist

Items You'll Need:

• Newspaper, or paper bags, cut into stripsAmount will vary depending on what you are making.
• Homemade Paper Mache Paste or Store-Bought Paper Mache Glue.
• Base FormThis can be anything from styrofoam balls, cardboard boxes, or something with an interesting shape.
• Wide Paint Brushes (optional, for the paper mache).
• Poster Paints and Paint Brushes.
• Optional Decorative Accents such as beads, feathers, or sequins.
• Glue (for decorative accents).

Paper Mache Paste Ingredients

• Mix 1 part flour with 5 parts water.
• Stir in a pot, bring to a rolling boil.
• Boil mixture for 3-4 minutes.
• Add 3 tspns salt (as a mold deterrent).
• Stir until Smooth.
• Cool completely before using.

Set Up

• Cover a worktable with a plastic mat.
• Put on a smock or other workclothes.
• Transfer paper mache glue to a large bowl.
• Have your base form, paper strips ready to work with.

Working with Paper-Mache

• Using one strip of paper at a time, dip the ;paper ;into the glue to get it completele saturated.
• Remove the excess glue with your fingers.
• Place the strip on your base form, using your fingers to smooth it over;Be gentle so as to avoid tearing the paper.
• Repeat the first 3 steps, adding more glue-soaked strips to your form
• Continue the process, overlapping the strips as you work, until the form is completely covered.
• When finished, set aside and let dry for 24 hours.
• Repeat the process at least twice, ensuring you have a minimum of three layers papering your form.
• Allow each layer to dry for 24 hours before applying the next layer.
• Continue the process until desired thickness is ;achievedAllow 24 hours to dry completely.
• When piece is completely dry, paint with poster paints.
• Allow paint to dry completely before applying any decorative accents.