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How to Paper Mache

bullettear newspaper into strips
  
bulletHINT:  always make the last layer of mache with white computer paper or paper towel so that painting is easier.  It takes FAR less paint.  If you don't do this, consider priming the project with white acrylic paint before you let the kids at it with the poster paint
  
bulletMake paper mache paste (there are many different options):
bulletOPTION 1:  3/4 white glue to 1/4 water (or if using a good, thick glue, like elmers you can do 1/2 and 1/2)
bulletOPTION 2:  COOK METHOD:  1 part flour to 5 parts water... boil about 3 minutes and let cool  (my favorite!  it's the cheapest method and is nice and smooth)
bulletOPTION 3:  1 part flour to 1 part water.  Stir together.
Suggestion from a viewer...
"Rather than make our own paste for paper mache, we use liquid starch that is relatively inexpensive. I bought a large jug at the supermarket that we have been using for years. Sounds like it gives the same result as the cooked method. It dries smooth and clear - fantastic for use with gift wrap scraps. We use it with brown grocery bags when we want to create pottery or leather looking crafts."
Thanks to Pam for sharing this idea!

Suggestion from a viewer...
"for paper mache: add a little cinnamon to the mix - it takes away the smell."
Thanks to Cindi for sharing this idea!

 

bulletNOTE:  Humidity really does play a factor!  If you live somewhere very humid, add less water (up to 1/4 less).  I live in a very dry area.
  
bulletNOTE:  if you add a couple tablespoons of salt to your paper mache it will not mold.  (Thanks to Marg for this tip!)
    
bulletCover your project with no more than 4 layers of paper mache.  I always tell the kids 2 layers as they ALWAYS overlap more than they should *laugh*
  
bulletLet dry COMPLETELY.
  
bulletOnce again cover with no more than 4 layers.
bulletcontinue this process until it's as solid as you want it.
  
bulletif making a pinata, tie a loop of string to a paper clip.  Tape the paper clip onto the frame of the pinata before you start maching.  Mache over top of the paper clip.  Make sure not to mache over the string loop.  Tie your rope onto the loop to hang your pinata.

  

Trish offered these tips for working with paper mache...

"I briefly looked at your dolphin paper mache... have you ever tried using an old 2 litre soda bottle instead as your base? I use these a lot for paper mache. They are a good size and easy to cut and tape to alter to suit your needs. I taught Art to 4-7 graders and we made Elephants, Hippo's and Parrots out of the paper mache using the soda bottle method. I made a wonderful dolphin using a mineral water bottle that had a beautiful triangular shape. Wish I had a picture!!

Try this easy paper mache paste recipe:
 - Take 1 heaped soup ladle of powdered cornstarch
 - Place in a heat proof bowl
 - Add enough COLD water to form a paste and to dissolve powder to consistency of thick cream.
 - Pour in one kettleful (1.7 litres) of RAPIDLY BOILING (MUST be bubbling away...) and stir like crazy...! 

It is very very HOT like porridge and it can form lumps so I usually give it a whisk or beating with my electric mixer to smooth it.
Paste should change from opaque white to translucent once the boiling water is added.
It will keep a few days and can be microwaved to be heated so it's less "jelly-like". Kids love to use it while it's warm, but it works equally well cold.

Salt can be added to prolong shelf life."

Thanks Trish!

Suggestion from a viewer...
"I use Elmer's art paste as my 'glue' for papier mache--it costs less than $3 for a small box that will mix up to a gallon of paste--and it lasts a long time. Not only that, but projects won't get eaten by bugs (this can happen when using flour or cornstarch pastes)! Last of all, for less than $9, I can buy several cubic feet of loose cellulose insulation (shredded paper) from most hardware stores (that you can also mix with art paste to your liking)--this will give you enough medium to last for quite awhile (even years) including in classroom situations, depending upon how often you use it. To use this last, build your basic armature, cover with a few layers of paper, then apply cellulose/art paste medium in several coats; allow to dry between coats. You may choose to end with paper for a different finish. This is fun to sculpt and experiment with."
Thanks to Ronnie Lee for sharing this idea!