HOW TO MAKE PAPIER-MÂCHÉ

Materials Needed:

– Papier-mâché paste. – Flour. – Water. – Recycled paper/newspaper.

Tools Needed:

– Whisk. – Bowl. – A structure to apply the papier-mâché onto.

STEP 1: MAKE YOUR PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PASTE

Grab the bowl, and add 1 part flour and 2 parts water.

STEP 1: MAKE YOUR PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PASTE

Use the whisk, and stir the two ingredients together until it has become a completely smooth paste.

STEP 1: MAKE YOUR PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PASTE

If the mixture is too watery, add some more flour. If the paste is too thick, add some more water.

STEP 1: MAKE YOUR PAPIER-MÂCHÉ PASTE

Once you have reached the desired consistency, you can use the paste right away.

STEP 2: TEAR UP THE NEWSPAPER

Next, you will need to tear up the newspaper into small, even(ish) strips. Ideally, these strips should be 1-2 inches wide.

STEP 2: TEAR UP THE NEWSPAPER

By tearing the newspaper with your hands, you will create rugged sides which will attach easier to the structure.

STEP 3: APPLY THE PASTE TO THE NEWSPAPER STRIPS

Pick up one strip of paper, and dunk it into the paste.

STEP 3: APPLY THE PASTE TO THE NEWSPAPER STRIPS

Make sure that the strip is fully saturated in the paste, but not too heavily that the paper breaks.

STEP 3: APPLY THE PASTE TO THE NEWSPAPER STRIPS

Remember to only use one strip at a time. Don’t attempt to apply several at once, as this will create more of a mess.

STEP 4: APPLY THE NEWSPAPER STRIPS TO YOUR STRUCTURE

Press the strip onto the structure, and, using your fingers, smooth it down so that there are no creases or ridges.

STEP 4: APPLY THE NEWSPAPER STRIPS TO YOUR STRUCTURE

The strip should be completely flat on your structure.

STEP 4: APPLY THE NEWSPAPER STRIPS TO YOUR STRUCTURE

Then, repeat the process with the second strip of newspaper. Then, repeat with the third, and the fourth, and so on.

STEP 4: APPLY THE NEWSPAPER STRIPS TO YOUR STRUCTURE

This will, likely, take around 24 hours to completely dry up and harden.