Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (2024)

Introduction: Tools and Materials for Paper Mache

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While paper mache can mostly be made with materials you already have around the house, getting a few specific supplies will really take your sculpting game to the next level. Here's what I'll be using in this class:

Tools:

Materials:

Optional Tools and Materials:

Step 1: Possibilities of Paper Mache

While most of us probably think of paper mache as an unsophisticated craft technique used to make piggy banks in 3rd grade classrooms, it is actually an extremely useful and versatile medium that can be used to create some beautiful works of art, costume pieces, or even home decor.

One of the best things about paper mache is that it is cheap, and doesn't require any fancy equipment or special skills. It's also extremely versatile and forgiving. You can use paper mache to create anything from delicate lamps to huge whale sculptures! Feel free to check out my Paper Mache Pinterest board for some inspiration.

If creating projects with paper mache sounds intimidating to you, remember, you can almost always cut your paper mache creations apart and stick them back together, so altering your designs or adding details as you go is simple!

Step 2: Types of Paste and Paper

The basic formula for paper mache just involves saturating some kind of paper with some kind of sticky paste, sculpting with this material and then letting it dry. Paper mache paste is mostly created with glue, flour and water in various combinations.

Different kinds of paper and paste are good for different kinds of projects. Flour and water is the classic material for paper mache paste because it is super simple, effective and cheap. Glue paste tends to be stronger and more durable, and it also dries clear so it it is great to use if you want to create something translucent like a lamp. It can also be a bit slippery and sticky though, so some people prefer flour.

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (5)

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (6)

Newspaper is the most commonly used paper for paper mache because of its consistency and because old newspaper is basically a free material. Other papers will work too though. Some people like to use blue shop towels because they are very soft and absorbent, but also strong.

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (7)

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (8)

Translucent papers like waxed tissue paper and kite paper are great if you are using glue and trying to create a skin that lets light through.

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (9)

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (10)

In this class we'll try a few different kinds of paper and paste so you can see the advantages and drawbacks of each.

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (11)

The name Paper Mache is an english version of the French "Papier-mâché" which literally translates as "chewed paper". This original definition of paper mache actually refers to paper mache clay, which is a sculpting material made of mashed or "chewed" paper and a few other ingredients. You can use this clay to create details, sculpt forms, or even press it into molds. We will talk about using pre-made versions of this clay and also learn how to make our own using a highly underrated art material: toilet paper!

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (12)

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (13)

Step 3: What You Can Make!

The Techniques you learn in this class can be applied to a lot of different projects, from simple to complex. Along the way I'll be pointing you towards some projects that would be great ways to practice your skills, like these DIY Owl Piñata, Easy Paper Mache Mask, and Paper Mache Lampshade Instructables I've written.

Step 4: Quiz

{ "id": "quiz-1", "question": "Which kind of paper is not good for paper mache?", "answers": [ { "title": "Glossy magazine paper", "correct": true }, { "title": "Newsprint", "correct": false },{ "title": "Floral tissue paper", "correct": false } ], "correctNotice": "That's right, glossy magazine paper does not absorb water well enough to be good for paper mache.", "incorrectNotice": "Not quite, try again"}
{ "id": "quiz-2", "question": "The tools and and materials you need for paper mache are really expensive.", "answers": [ { "title": "false", "correct": true }, { "title": "true", "correct": false } ], "correctNotice": "You're right! Paper Mache is really a very inexpensive hobby!", "incorrectNotice": "Not quite, try again"}
{ "id": "quiz-3", "question": "An armature is:", "answers": [ { "title": "A vehicle used to transport soldiers", "correct": false }, { "title": "A base structure that you paper mache over", "correct": true },{ "title": "A weird animal from Australia", "correct": false } ], "correctNotice": "Yes!", "incorrectNotice": "Are you sure? Try again!"}

Step 5: What's Next?

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (14)

Now that you know what you will need for this class, gather your supplies and let's get messy! In the next lesson we'll learn how to make an easy glue and water paste and use it with different kinds of paper!

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache (2024)

FAQs

Tools and Materials for Paper Mache? ›

Paper mache paste is mostly created with glue, flour and water in various combinations. Different kinds of paper and paste are good for different kinds of projects. Flour and water is the classic material for paper mache paste because it is super simple, effective and cheap.

What are the materials used for paper mache? ›

Paper mache paste is mostly created with glue, flour and water in various combinations. Different kinds of paper and paste are good for different kinds of projects. Flour and water is the classic material for paper mache paste because it is super simple, effective and cheap.

What do you need to make paper mache? ›

Clear an area and gather the materials you'll need to do papier-mâché.
  1. A bowl or large container.
  2. Flour, wallpaper powder/paste, or white glue. X Research source
  3. Water.
  4. Your base structure.
  5. Paintbrush.
  6. Newspaper (for your project -- not for clean-up duty)

What are the materials, tools, and equipment used in craft making? ›

These can include scissors, paintbrushes, easels, foam brushes, craft knives and more, depending on the craft or artwork being made. Some types of artistry or crafting require very specific tools. Sewing and other textile crafts use tools like needles, thimbles and measuring tape.

What is the best base for paper mache? ›

Densely packed aluminum foil works great as a base, and covered with tape, paper mache sticks to it no problem.

Is it better to use glue or flour for paper mache? ›

One of the most common, and easiest, ways to create paper mache is to use glue and water as the paste. A few different types of glue will work, but most people use wood glue or white Glue-All. Using glue is very similar to using flour, but it creates a stronger structure that is less likely to rot.

How to make strong paper mache? ›

I don't follow an exact recipe to make my paper mache paste, but as a general rule of thumb, I use 1 part flour to 4-5 parts water. The measuring container used depends on the quantity of paste you need to make. But you can use anything from a teaspoon to a cup. My personal favourite measuring tool is a coffee scoop.

Can you use Elmer's glue for paper mache? ›

Create paper mache planets that are out of this world! This fun and educational project comes together with Elmer's Washable School Glue. Teachers can incorporate this craft into their lessons about the planets and the solar system.

How many layers should paper mache have? ›

The result is four (or however many) layers that are all perfectly even, with no bump or ridge or seam where the layers overlap, since they all overlap in separate areas with just one layer of paper at each of the overlap points.

How many layers of paper mache is best? ›

You will have to cover the form with at least three or four layers of paste and paper to make it nice and strong. You must also let the form dry before adding each additional coat. Be generous with the paste. Each strip of paper should be covered so they will all stick together.

Can I use a heat gun on paper mache? ›

Once the whole character is covered with your paper mache, wait for it to dry! (Optionally you can use a hair dryer or heat gun to speed up the drying time.) Now we use acrylic paints to paint our character and then set it aside again to dry.

What is the best glue for paper mache? ›

A few different types of glue will work, but most people use wood glue or white Glue-All. Using glue is very similar to using flour, but it creates a stronger structure that is less likely to rot. Glue also dries clear, which opens up some interesting possibilities for translucent projects like lamps.

What is mache made of? ›

That said, what is actually mache? Mache is a baby leaf characterized by its tenderness, subtle nutty flavour and high omega-3 fatty acids. But it doesn't stop there! Mache is rich in beta carotene, once ingested, it is converted into vitamin A throughout the body.

What paper to use for paper mache besides newspaper? ›

Any absorbent, uncoated paper will do. I've seen paper mache made with paper towels, reams of inexpensive drawing paper, even fine rag paper for some fancy sculptures. You can use strips of cotton or linen rag as well.

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