Paper mache is created by combining simple paper strips with a paste, allowing you to form various shapes as it dries and hardens. The core components are paper and a binding agent, commonly a simple paste you can make at home.
At its heart, paper mache (also spelled papier-mâché) is a composite material consisting of paper pieces or pulp, sometimes reinforced with textiles, bound with an adhesive, such as glue, starch, or wallpaper paste. The process involves layering paper strips soaked in this adhesive over a form. Once dry, the result is a rigid and durable material.
Essential Components
To begin making paper mache, you primarily need two things:
- Paper: Typically torn or cut into strips.
- Paste: Acts as the glue to bind the paper layers together.
Preparing Your Paper Mache Paste
A common and effective paste can be made using simple kitchen staples: flour and water. According to standard methods, creating this paste is a straightforward process.
Here's how you can prepare the paste based on the provided reference:
- Gather your ingredients: flour and water.
- Use a large bowl for mixing.
- Add 2 cups (240 grams) of flour to the bowl.
- Add 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water to the bowl.
- Stir the flour and water together thoroughly.
- Continue stirring until a smooth paste forms.
- Set the paste aside; it is now ready for use.
Paste Ingredients Summary:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 cups (240 g) |
| Water | 1 cup (240 ml) |
Tip: Ensure there are no dry clumps of flour left in the paste for best results.
Preparing Your Paper Strips
Newspaper is a popular choice for paper mache due to its absorbency and flexibility, but other types of paper can also be used. The paper needs to be prepared into manageable pieces for layering.
As the reference indicates, you should:
- Use newspaper for your paper source.
- Tear or cut the newspaper into strips.
- Aim for strips approximately 1-inch wide.
- Prepare enough strips to cover the object you plan to apply the paper mache to at least 3 times.
Why tear or cut? Tearing newspaper often creates feathery edges that blend better when layered, reducing harsh lines compared to cleanly cut edges. The 1-inch width is a practical size, large enough to cover area quickly but small enough to conform to curves. Preparing enough strips in advance streamlines the application process.
Ready for Application
With your flour and water paste prepared and your newspaper torn into strips, you have the two fundamental components ready to create paper mache. The next step typically involves dipping the paper strips into the paste, removing excess, and applying them layer by layer to an object you wish to cover or shape.
