How to Make Paper Mache

Paper mache is an inexpensive and enjoyable technique you can do as a hobby. You can form various shapes and structures with a few materials ordinarily found in your home. Also, making paper mache is very easy. All you need to do is to follow the simple steps below.

Steps to Make Paper Mache

1. Choose a paper mache form. This material serves as the base of the paper mache project you would make. You can use a ball, Styrofoam that has a specific shape, or boxes. Once you have made a number of paper mache projects, you can use more complex items for your form such as plastic animals and action figures.
2. Acquire paper mache glue. This material is specifically designed to hold and secure the layers of paper. You can buy paper mache glue from hobby stores. You can also make your own glue. Do this by creating a mixture of 3 parts glue and 1 part water. Ideally, you should use white glue.
3. Prepare the additional materials. These include tissue paper and strips of newspaper. You also need poster paint, colored beads, and glitter to add style to the paper mache.
4. You are now ready to make your paper mache. Start with one strip of paper. Dip the newspaper strip in the paper mache glue. The strip of paper should be saturated well on both sides. Take off the excess glue. Place the paper strip on the form. You can place the first paper strip at the top portion of the paper mache form. Use your hands to make the paper flat and smooth on the form. Be careful not to rip the paper.
5. Continue placing paper strips on the form. The paper strips can slightly overlap one another. When you have covered the entire form with paper strips, place it in a safe area for 24 hours. This will let the glue dry and make the strips set on the form.
6. Place around two or three more layers of paper strips on the form. Let the glue dry for 24 hours after making each layer.
7. When you have set the final layer and the glue is dry, paint the paper mache with your desired color and add beads and glitter to it.