How To Papier Mache

Papier Mache, also known as Paper Mache, is an easy and fun method to make creative sculpture from limited materials. Using materials often found around the house, papier mache can also be a family-friendly activity for the young artists in the family!

1. Step 1: Sketch Your Idea

   The first step toward successfully creating your piece of papier mache perfection is to brainstorm some ideas of things which may be fun to make. Close your eyes and think about something which may be cool, cute, or fun. Is it a person with a funny face? A dog? An adorable teddy bear? Once you think of that perfect creation, draw a sketch, as detailed as you like, to refer to while you build it.

2. Now that you have an idea, let's talk briefly about your options to bring your creation to life. An easy way to create a simple papier mache character is to use a balloon as the 'body' to build upon. You blow up a balloon and layer the papier mache strips on top of the balloon as its 'skin', which helps the character take shape. Let's try it!

3. Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

   The first thing we're going to do is to gather your supplies and ready your work area. It's best to place some painter's plastic on your workspace to prevent any messy drips or spills; it makes cleanup a cinch! You will need your supplies to make your papier mache paste, and you'll also need to gather your balloons and have your idea sketch handy. So let's start!

4. Step 3: Make Your Paste

   Bring 5 cups of water to a boil. In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of flour with a cup of cool water. Mix this until it is smooth in consistency. When smooth, pour the mixture into the waiting boiling water. At a low boil, stir the mixture for 2-4 minutes, until the paste thickens. Remove the pot from heat and allow to cool before using. While the paste cools, tear your newsprint into strips.

5. It is commonly recommended to add 3/4 tsp. oil of wintergreen to the paste mixture before working with it. This reduces any odor and makes the paste more pleasant to work with.

6. Step 4: Prepare The 'Body'

   With your sketch on hand, blow up your balloons to make your character's body. This is the base we'll build your character's features upon. With your cooled paste ready, gather your newspaper strips, brush and white paper. We're ready to start creating!

7. Step 5: Begin Creating

   Using a brush, paint the strips with paste. Smooth them onto the balloon, making sure to smooth out any bumps or air bubbles. Cover the balloon with overlapping strips, making the foundation for your character's body. Keep this initial layer of 'skin' a maximum of four layers thick. If more than four layers are applied, the 'skin' will require additional drying time.

8. Step 6: Your Character Takes Shape

   After the initial skin has dried, let's continue applying strips to form detail, (like a nose), for your character. Remember: keep applications to 2-3 layers to minimize drying time. Additional, more intricate features can be added by creating 'bones' from cardboard or other materials. When you are finished creating, it is helpful to cover the surface with white paper to make painting easier.

9. Two coats of emulsion paint or gesso may be used after the character is completely dry to seal the project.

10. Step 7: Paint

    With your character dried, sealed and ready to be finished, let's get the brush and paints ready to give it some life. Water-based acrylic paint is ideal, though a variety of paints may be used. Use your paints to create a lively, vibrant version of that simple sketch you made at the start of our project. When finished, clean your brush, put away your paints and allow your character to dry.

11. Step 8: Finishing Up

    With all supplies tucked away, work area cleaned and all creating finished, you're ready to enjoy your creations! Plan a puppet show, make sculptures or enjoy pushing your new skill to make more intricate designs and creations!