Paper mache is a craft that has been around for centuries and can be used to create almost anything. It’s basically a mixture of paper pulp and glue that is applied to a mold using your hands or an object like a spoon.
You then let it dry until it hardens and voilà, you have a beautiful work of art! In this post, we’ll show you how to make different kinds of paper mache projects so you can unleash your inner artist: we’ll focus on heart shapes, masks and trophies, but there are many more ideas out there.
These easy-to-follow tutorials will teach you everything from turning fruit into bowls to creating custom wallpaper for your home.
So gather up some old magazines and newspapers because after reading this article your creative juices will be flowing!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Paper mache is an affordable and versatile craft that can be used to create unique and beautiful objects. |
| 2. There are many different paper mache techniques and materials to choose from, making it a perfect craft for beginners and experienced crafters alike. |
| 3. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a wide variety of objects with paper mache, including sculptures, masks, and even furniture. |
| 4. Paper mache also offers a great way to recycle old newspapers and other paper products. |
| 5. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next paper mache project, there are many resources available online, including tutorials, project ideas, and guides to different techniques and materials. |
Create a Paper Mache Heart
Paper mache is a simple and inexpensive way to make art. It’s also a great way to reuse old magazines and newspapers. You can use paper mache for many different projects, including:
- Making a heart out of paper mache
- Creating an animal figure out of newspaper
- Making your own dollhouse furniture
Creating a scrapbook is a great way to preserve your memories and express your creativity. Check out our DIY Scrapbooking guide to learn how to create your own albums and journals and make beautiful keepsakes that will last a lifetime.
Make a Paper Mache Purse
You will need:
- a wire coat hanger
- paper towels or toilet paper rolls and newspaper, cut into pieces (depending on the size of your purse)
- glue (optional)
To make your purse, follow these steps:
- Take a piece of newspaper and tear it into small pieces. Make sure you rip and not cut because cutting will take away some of the strength in the material. Then take some glue and spread it over one side of a strip of folded newspaper/paper towel/toilet paper roll, then place this over the wire coat hanger so that it sticks to both sides. Repeat this step until you have all sides covered with wet newspaper strips using whatever type of paper you prefer—just make sure they are all glued in place!
- Let dry overnight before using!
Make a Papier Mache Trophies
Papier mache is a fun, inexpensive material to work with. It’s easy to make, but it takes a bit of time and patience. When you’re done, you can use your trophy as an award or decoration for your home, school projects, parties and more.
First thing’s first: you’ll need a mold in order to create the shape of your papier mache trophy. You can find many different styles and sizes online at craft stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s Crafts.
Once you have one picked out (you don’t have to spend much money), this will be what shapes everything else about your project not only does it give form to your paper-maché object but also helps guide its overall look by setting guidelines for height and width measurements that are easy for anyone who wants something similar later on down the line!
If none exist then simply visit any local hardware store where they sell paints/stains etcetera; located just next door should be an aisle full of different sizes available per sheet (4×8).
This will allow us not only time saving measures now but also when painting afterwards since we won’t need multiple colors during preparation stages since only one type needs applied beforehand instead.”
Crafting with paper can be a lot of fun and doesn’t have to break the bank. Get inspired by our collection of inexpensive paper craft ideas and create unique and beautiful projects on a budget.
Create a Paper Mache Landscape
To create a paper mache landscape, you will need the following supplies:
- Paper mache paste. You can purchase this at your local craft store.
- Watercolor paints and paint brushes or large sponges. I used both watercolor paints and acrylic paints to layer colors on top of each other.
- Sheet of cardboard for backing, or other stiff material like foam core board (optional)
- Measuring tape or ruler if desired
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Cardboard | Use sturdy cardboard, like the ones from Amazon Basics, as the base for your landscape. |
| Paper Mache Mix | Use paper mache mix, such as Elmer’s Art Paste , to create texture on your landscape. |
| Paint | Choose acrylic paint, such as those from Arteza, to paint your landscape and add color to your creation. |
| Foliage | Use natural materials like dried leaves or plastic materials, like those from Juvale, to add foliage and trees to your landscape. |
| Glue | Use a strong adhesive, like Aleene’s tacky glue, to glue your foliage to the landscape. |
Create a beautiful landscape with paper mache! Use sturdy cardboard, like the ones from Amazon Basics, as the base, and apply paper mache mix, such as Elmer’s Art Paste, to create texture and style. Use acrylic paints, like those from Arteza, to paint the surface and add color.
Lastly, add foliage and trees for a perfect finishing touch. Use natural materials like dried leaves or plastic materials, like those from Juvale, and use a strong adhesive like Aleene’s tacky glue to glue them down. Enjoy your masterpiece!
How to Make a Paper Mache Mask
Materials
- Paper Mache Paste (consult the manufacturer’s instructions)
- Mask template
- Paintbrushes, sponge brushes and rollers, airbrush equipment and compressor if you have them
How to Make the Mask
Trace your template onto a piece of cardboard. Next, cut out the tracing with an X-Acto blade or sharp scissors.
If you’re working on a small area like an eye socket or nose hole, trace it first with pencil then cut it out with an exacto knife so that there’s no bleeding when you paint over it later; otherwise just trace around the whole thing using ink or marker so that when you remove it from its backing later there won’t be any marking on its face!
If you’re looking for a creative and fun activity to do at home, try making some paper crafts. Check out our list of 10 incredible paper crafts that you can make using simple materials and step-by-step instructions.
How to Make Papier Mache Pots for Succulents
Materials:
- Papier mache, paint, glue and scissors.
- Paper clips to hang the pots on the wall.
Instructions:
Mix a batch of papier mache paste by combining equal parts flour and water in a bowl or bucket until it forms a gooey paste that you can mold into balls (about 1/2 cup each).
You will need enough paste to make one large ball for each pot you plan to make two small balls if your pots are smaller than 8-10 inches in diameter. Let this dry overnight before proceeding with step two!
Create a Face on an Apple With Paper Mache
To make a paper mache apple, you’re going to need some Styrofoam balls and a basic set of art supplies.
Start by cutting out two eyes and a mouth on your Styrofoam ball using a sharp knife. Then paint in the face using acrylic paint and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Next, cut out an apple stem with another piece of Styrofoam and glue it onto your apple using hot glue or superglue (don’t use regular glue as this will take extra time to dry).
Finally, paint over any seams that may be visible with acrylic paint so they blend into each other seamlessly!
Crafting is a great way to keep kids busy and entertained while encouraging their creativity and imagination. Here are 19 craft ideas that are perfect for kids of all ages and skill levels, from painting and drawing to paper crafts and beyond.
Make Your Own Personalized Piñata
The best part of a piñata is the candy inside, but it’s fun to look at the design too. It can be any shape or size you want! You can make one for your child’s birthday, or find out what they like and make one just for them.
The first step to making a piñata is to gather supplies:
Paper mache: Mix 2 cups flour with 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons salt in a bowl until there are no lumps left. Add more flour if needed until you have made an even mixture with no lumps in it.
Then start adding small amounts of paper mache paste (or cornstarch) until it becomes doughy but not sticky; this should take about 3-4 cups total depending on how much paper mache paste you use per pound of flour mixture (about ½ cup).
Paintbrushes: Use different colors so that each layer gets painted in its own color so that you know where each layer begins and ends when drying after painting!
Paint: Use acrylic paint mixed with water as desired –this makes lighter colors show up better than opaque paint would do alone! Try black first since dark colors show up better against light background colors such as white or yellow).
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Paper Mache Mix | Use paper mache mix, such as Elmer’s Art Paste to create a sturdy base for your piñata. |
| Balloons | Use balloons, like the ones from Party City, to create the shape of your piñata. |
| Tissue Paper | Cut colorful tissue paper into strips or shapes, like squares or triangles, to wrap around the piñata and make a fun design. |
| Candy and Treats | Fill your piñata with goodies like candy, gum, and small toys. |
| String or Rope | Use string or rope to hang your piñata. |
Create a personalized piñata for your next event! Use paper mache mix, such as Elmer’s Art Paste, and balloons from Party City to create a sturdy base in any shape or size you want. Cut colorful tissue paper shapes, wrap them around your piñata, and fill it with candy and treats. Use string or rope to hang your piñata and enjoy the party!
Transform Your Funky Old Lampshade Into Something New With This Easy DIY Project
Have you ever seen a vintage lampshade and thought, “I wish I could make one of those myself?” Well, now you can! Making your own lampshade is easy and so much fun.
This project will give you a great chance to unleash your creativity in a new way and it’ll be ready for use in no time at all.
The first step is to gather the materials that you’ll need:
- Newspaper
- Glue (optional)
- Paint (optional)If it’s not already included with your lampshade kit, add some glue to your list as well. You may also want to consider picking up some paint if you have any color preferences for the finished product.
Woodworking can seem intimidating for beginners, but with the right tools and techniques, you can create beautiful pieces for your home. Check out our collection of DIY woodworking projects that are perfect for beginners, including shelves, tables, and more.
How to Make Your Own Papier Mache Wallpaper
Spread glue on the wall and allow it to dry for 30 minutes.
Use a paintbrush or sponge to apply a coat of glue over the paper, then smooth the surface with a roller or brush.
Use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process by blowing warm air over the surface until it’s completely stiffened (about 10 minutes).
Apply two coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding another one (two hours between coats). After that, you’re ready for hangin’!
Make Your Own Bowl With This Simple Tutorial!
You will need:
A paper mache bowl mold. These are available in most craft stores and online. If you don’t have one, you can create your own with newspaper or butcher paper, coffee filters and masking tape (see the next section for more information).
Papier mache paste. This is a flour-based glue that dries hard after 24 hours of drying time. You can find it at many arts and crafts stores or online suppliers such as Amazon.
Paintbrush (a sponge brush works best) to apply paste onto the mold
| Materials | Tools |
|---|---|
| Air-dry clay | Rolling pin |
| X-Acto knife | Scissors |
| Acrylic paints | Paintbrush |
| Ruler | Parchment paper |
| Water |
The table lists the materials and tools needed to make a DIY bowl using air-dry clay, including a rolling pin, X-Acto knife, acrylic paints, and more
Conclusion
Paper mache is an excellent medium for learning about art. It’s easy to use, low-cost and can be used in many ways.
You can create beautiful decorations for your home using paper mache, create a beautiful model car or even make an intricate sculpture.
The best part about paper mache is that there is no limit on what you can do with it!
Further Reading
Here are some additional paper mache resources to explore:
Diycraftsy: Paper Mache Ideas and Art Projects offers a wide variety of paper mache ideas and art projects with step-by-step instructions and tutorials.
Loctite Products: Papier Mache Ideas – Let Your Creativity Run Free is a guide to creating unique papier mache creations using Loctite products.
Blitsy: Paper Mache Ideas is a collection of paper mache and papier mache ideas for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
FAQs
What is paper mache?
Paper mache is a crafting technique that involves creating objects using paper and a paste or adhesive.
What are some common materials used in paper mache?
Common materials used in paper mache include paper, flour, water, glue, and balloons.
Can I use any type of paper for paper mache?
Yes, you can use any type of paper for paper mache, including newspaper, tissue paper, and even wrapping paper.
How long does it take for paper mache to dry?
The drying time for paper mache varies depending on the size and shape of the object, as well as the humidity and temperature of the environment. It can take anywhere from several hours to several days for paper mache to dry completely.
What can I make with paper mache?
You can create a wide variety of objects with paper mache, including sculptures, masks, piñatas, and even furniture. The possibilities are endless!
Hellen James is the creator of Unified Crafts and has been crafting since she was a kid accompanied by her mom to the craft store, where she was free to choose whatever ignited her imagination.