How to Make Papier Mache Objects

Papier-Mâché is useful to use if you are making something. This guide will help you make something using it.

• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup flour
• 3/4 tsp sugar

OR

• 3/4 cup cold water
• 1/4 PVA glue

1. Find something to act as a base, like a piece of cardboard or a bowl. The example in this article describes making something using a balloon as a base but it could really be anything.
   
   
2. Blow it up to about around the same size as your head and tie it.
   
   
3. Shred any kind of paper, newspaper is quite common, but kitchen tissue (paper towel) works better.
   
   
4. Make the glue using 2 parts of PVA to 1 part of water (e.g. 2 litres of glue to 1 litre of water).
   
   
5. Paste the glue onto the paper and layer it onto the balloon, making sure there are no lumps.
   
   
6. Do this until there are about five layers.
   
   
7. Leave it to dry.
   
   
8. Pop the balloon and take it out, leaving the shell.
   
   
9. Cut the shell into the right shape.
   
   
10. Paint it.
    
    

• You could also follow these more detailed instructions for making the paste -
• If using water and flour, use some salt.
• Use something such as chickenwire to create an armature or "skeleton".
• Mix 1/2 cup cold water with 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup boiling water. Bring to a boil. When it begins boiling, remove from heat and add 3/4 tsp. sugar. Cool, then use as you would normal paste.

• Paper
• A balloon or any other base
• PVA Glue or Flour
• Water