Photo by Sing Hajaykr

Materials for Paper Mache

 

 

1. paper for recycling – not waxy or highly polished
2. thick wallpaper paste or a paper mache preparation available from art supplies shops (Cell Mix)
3. petroleum jelly
4. plate or bowl for mould
5. brushes, knives, scissors,
6. buckets and containers, cleanup rags
7. paper and pencils for designs
8. poster paints, acrylic paints or water based paints
9. paintbrushes
10. clear spray varnish or a can of waterproof water based varnish

 

Instructions for Making a Paper Mache

 

1. wrap a dinner plate in plastic wrap. This will serve as your mold or template as you make your paper mache plates.
2. cover this with petroleum jelly so that the plate will lift easily from the plate or bowl
3. prepare paper mache glue
4. prepare your paper medium. Although this project can be done with newspaper; students can also collect other strips of coloured and construction paper. Coated papers do not hold and absorb the paper mache glue. Rip or cut your paper into a series of 2- to 4-inch strips. Be flexible about the length as different sections of the bowl may require shorter or longer pieces.

 

Making the Paper Mache Form

 

 

1. dip each strip of paper into the paper mache glue, and apply it to the form.
2. using longer strips first and apply across the middle of the plate
3. working outward toward the sides
4. when you get to the edges of the plate, use the smaller strips and carefully fold them over the edges, making about a half-inch lip
5. repeat this process until you have covered the plate in three to four layers of paper mache
6. allow the form to dry at least overnight
7. when the form is dry use a sharp craft knife to cut the lip from the bottom of the plate or from around the rim of the bowl
8. lift the material off of the form and use sandpaper to smooth the trimmed edge of the plate or bowl
9. lift the plate off the mold to view your finished project
10. coat the material with white under coat or gesso
11. apply two or three under coats, because the more coats of acrylic paint you apply the stronger the plate will be

 

Decorate

 

1. design the decoration on paper before they commence painting
2. have design templates at the ready so that the decorating stage can be smooth and engaging
3. set the paper mache plate back onto the mold so that it is held firm while they paint it. It will then be protected from warping, being squashed or breakage during painting.
4. varnish. Spray varnish is quick and simply to apply. It is best if applied very light coats of spray varnish every hour until satisfied with the look and feel of the bowl. 

 

Task Sheet courtesy of Jo Murphy of Author Arts Education 

http://artseducation.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_make_paper_mache_plates_and_bowls