Paper Mache Owl

I had created this paper mache owl long time back and it had been sitting in a corner all dried.Well painting it was on my to do list but some how I kept avoiding it for a reason that I couldn't decide what color should it be painted.

I had initially thought of painting it all light blue but then again changed my mind.So when I actually started painting it, I painted brown but as I progressed I added hints of Yellow and Green  too.
What I really intended to do was give it a old faded look so didn't use any bright colors. This is my finished project.

What do you think guys ? Let us know what colors you would have applied :)

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Paper Mache Paste Recipes

This page shares some the paper mache paste recipes with benefits as well as drawbacks.

When working with paper mache project using layering method,you can try any of below paste recipes and get your paper mache crafts started!

1.Water and White Flour Cooking method

Add 1/2 cup water in a pan and bring it to boil. In another bowl,add 1/4 cup white flour,pinch of salt and enough water to make watery mixture. Add to boiling water and keep stirring  for around 5 mins on medium heat. Make sure its not too hard or watery, it should be of consistency like a think white glue.Turn off burner and let the paste cool down.

Note: This paste after cool is kind of gel texture and may need a brush while applying on paper strips.When dried the look is clear but somehow is not very strong.Also doesn't work well on sticking on the edges specially. 

2.Water and White Flour No Cooking

Take 1/2 cup white flour and add water slowing and keep stirring with a spoon to mix it. Make sure no lumps are present and keep adding water little by little till you get a cake batter like consistency.

Note: This paste is very good for reason that from the first layer itself you can feel your project strong.And as you add second layer it seems to be enough in terms of strength. Also, its not too much runny  neither gely so easy to work with.

Warning: 

If using this method most recommended is to let the layer applied in 1 sitting to dry completely before adding next layer later to avoid building of mold on your project. 

3.Water and PVA Glue

To create this paste, get 2  teaspoons of PVA Glue(Fevicol is the brand in India) and dilute it with plain water in a proportion of 3:1 keeping in mind the glues adhesive properties are not lost.

Note: This paste works very good with small projects when expense is kept in mind and also papers get pasted quicker but needs more layers for strength.Also fingers are more messier among all 3 paste recipes.  

The comparison below chart which of course is based on my views may help beginners to choose from. 

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Paper Mache Layering Method

The basic method for making paper mache creations is Layering Method. The layering method involves pasting layers of paper pieces over a basic shape and let it dry.We may want to repeat the layering process 2 to 3 times depending on how strong we want it to be. I prefer 2 layers of paper strips for strength. Then we can paint it and seal it. This method is very popular for making objects like bowls,containers and masks.

Materials Required:
1. Used Paper/Old Newspapers 
2. Shaper/Base Structure 
3. Paper Mache Recipe 
4. Paint

Process:
Step1: Start by finding some kind of a form which will be used as shaper for your paper mache  example bowl,bottle,box. Alternative to this is to create base structure for paper mache like a bird,dog or anything depending on your project.If you are using a bowl as shaper, cover it with a plastic on the side we will apply our paper mache. 

Pic of form and base structure

Step2: Cut thin strips of news paper and keep aside.Prepare paper mache paste of your choice. For recipes click here

Step 3:
Now start dipping paper strips in the paste such that it moist enough but should not be excessively wet.Start pasting it on your base from one direction and keep adding paper strips overlapping with previous one leaving no space in between. Keep doing this until complete base is covered.Pat it with fingers and smoothen the surface such that any excess paste drips down.Repeat the layering process once again.In case working with a base structure after layering is done, we can add shaping with fingers to give more details.Let it dry for few hours so its dried completely. 

Step 4:Once completely dry, you can add one coat of white acrylic paint as primer. And then paint the paper mache creation with colors and patterns of your choice.

Craft Tips:
Decoupage art can be used on paper mache creations to give more interesting finish/look to your creations.  

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What is Paper Mache?

People new to paper mache will find this post useful in terms of understanding the basics of Paper Mache.
The simple meaning of Paper Mache is paper pulp or chewed paper.

It is an interesting versatile medium to work with for creating anything you can imagine and with cheap and reusable materials.In past, people have used it to create home decor items, puppets,bowls, frames,sculptures and what not.

Craft notes

* When it is wet, it is similar to clay and can be moulded or scuplted into variety of shapes
* When dry, it hardens and takes up properties of wood and is very strong and sturdy. It can be carved and sanded also for intricate designs

Another benefit, is we don't have to bake or fire paper mache creations.Though drying time varies from recipe to recipe and also weather conditions but people have found ways to make this process quicker also.

There are 2 different methods of paper mache :
1. Layering Method (Paper strips with Paper Mache Paste)
2. Pulp Method ( Paper Mache Clay)

Depending on the project on hand, one can decide which method to go for. Also sometimes, we can integrate both methods into our project for far more better finishing.

The best site I would recommend for learning for beginners as well as advanced paper mache artists is http://www.ultimatepapermache.com

Like any craft, Paper Mache also needs to be mastered and it takes time.. but one thing I can say surely it can be done by everyone and its definitely a fun project to do with kids.

Warning
Paper mache craft can make you addicted to itself so be prepared to deal with it. 
If you remember to remind yourself about this caution on regular basis,then you are good to go :)

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Tommy - The paper mache dog

Weekend in Bangalore was cold and windy...I was not able to start anything new but managed to finished working on my first paper mache animal  which I started 2 weeks ago... Introducing to you - our new family member ... Tommy :) Yes a Beagle Dog....Ofcourse, he is cute and cuddly :)

Apart from crafting, I am an animal lover too.. but we don't have any pets as we live in an apartment in Bangalore. And not to surprise my daughter also loves and have been demanding for a pet from long..Well that's the underlying story for doing this project.Creating the structure was a little hard as i had never worked with a animal sculpture earlier. But after browsing some creations online and some no so good tutorials, I managed to create the base with Newspaper.

Applied 1 layer of paper strips with water+glue paper mache recipe.Later applied TP Clay (Tissue Paper Clay) that's what I call it.. and sculptured the eyes and nose and ears.. rest body part didn't need much attention as it was already sturdy with paper strip coating... so thin layer of clay was enough..Also added a small clay bone collar. Let it dry for just overnight and then painted it with white, brown and black acrylic colors.

And there you go our Tommy was ready  for a walk in garden..My daughter is happy and I can see her  playing with him for now :) So makes me smile also :)

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