Making Papier Mache Bowls: the StripMethod

Rip thin strips of newsprint and dip strips through (not soaked) in pudding consistency wallpaper paste. Squeeze dry between fingers.

If paper is too wet, it will dry very wrinkled and puckered.

Add up to 8 layers in a star pattern over the INSIDE of a stainless steel, glass or plastic bowl.

Or the outside of a very large balloon. Or the inside of a pot..

Or if you prefer the outside, cover the outside with saran wrap and be sure to lossen the paper from the mold before fully dry, as paper tends to shrink and on the outside, it will tighten around the object.

The very first layer of paper should just be water dampened. Make sure all ripples or lumps are smoothed out of all pieces. Add a lip of newsprint to smooth out top edge. Air dry for about a week. Remove.

Paint with white latex or gesso as a base for your bowl. Dry. Paint with acrylic paints or poster paints covered later with a clear coat. Paint with oils or draw on with pastels and fix with pastel fixative. Gild it.


There are other pastes you can use to get your paper to adhere. Following are several.

Paper Mache Recipe 2
1/3 cup White Glue

1/3 cup Water
Newspaper
Mix glue and water. Tear newspaper into one by 4-6" strips. Brush the glue on, then put a paper strip. Smooth strip with fingers. Continue on laying down 3-4 layers of strips. Let dry for 2-3 days.

Paper Mache Recipe 3: Thin Paste
In a medium sized-pan, mix together
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup wheat flour
1/2 teaspoompowdered alum

Gradually add 1cup water, breaking up all lumps.
Boil til smooth, stirring constantly.
Add 3/4 cup water and 1/4t oil of cinnamon, stir til thoroughly mixed. Makes 1 pint, can be stored in a covered jar for several months (without refrigeration - the oil of cinnamon enables that)

Paper Mache Recipe 4: Wallpaper paste
4C non-self-rising wheat flour
1 cup sugar 1 gallon warm water
1/2t oil of cinnamon

After bringing ingredients to a boil, add 1 quart cold water.
The qt of cold water is to thin to desired consistency after the original ingredients were boiled...

Paper Mache Recipe 5: Cooked Paper Paste (cook over low heat, do not boil) 1/3 cup flour
1cup water
1/4t oil of cinnamon

Paper Mache Paste Recipe 6:
1/2 cup of flour
a large handful of salt (to keep the paste from going moldy)
1 cup of water

Mix with yourhands until like thick, creamy soup or oatmeal. Add more flour or water to if and as needed.



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