How to Make a Papier Mache Tray

A papier mache tray would make a special gift at Easter or for Mother's Day. You could make several to give to a favorite aunt, a special teacher or just a good friend. Papier mache is a special technique done with newspaper strips pasted onto a frame or other object. For years, it used to be expensive and limited to make paper, so they made new products out of recycled material. The craft of papier mache is used to make anything from piggy banks to simple puppets to parade floats and ritzy boutique items.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Used picture frame
• Mat board
• Newspapers
• Wax paper
• Rubber bands
• Felt
• Masking tape
• White glue
• Wallpaper paste
• Gesso
• Acrylic paints
• Paint brushes
• Scissors
• Pans for paint and paste
• Ruler
• Dowel rod scraps
• Cotton swabs
• Mat board scraps
• Utility knife

1. Find a damaged or old picture frame to make into a tray. Don't worry about the flaws in the frame because the whole thing will be covered up, not one person would notice. If no frame is available, look for some at flea markets, garage sales, antique malls or thrift stores. Remove and set aside the glass if its still in the frame. The groove inside the frame needs measured, and then cut mat board or heavy cardboard pieces to fit. You will need to cut several pieces since it is necessary for the frame to be filled from front to back. The back of frame needs measured so a large piece of mat board is cut to cover it.

2. Glue mat board pieces together and use rubber bands to hold them together for a few minutes. Take the rubber bands off, and where the glass would normally fit, glue boards inside the frame. If you need to, you can add more board to fill it up. Now, use the larger piece of mat board and glue it to the back of the frame. To hold the mat board in place, use some masking tape all around.

3. Mix wallpaper paste, and then tear up the newspaper into short strips or small squares. You can begin pasting the strips to the tray by dipping them in the wallpaper mixture. Run the strips of paper between your thumb and fingers to remove excess paste. Front and back, apply only one layer all over the entire tray. After it is dry, apply a coat of Gesso, but not to the back because it's going to get covered with felt.

4. Paint a design on the tray. If you like, you can apply surface decoration after painting the entire tray one color. You could paint the area in the center one color and paint cultures that may have different techniques to inspire you.

5. Try stick painting using short dowel rods dipped in paint to make your design. Or you could use a cotton swab or a similar material. Just dip a stick or swab in a color and apply to your tray. Repeat until the area is covered by a design. When done painting set aside the tray until it is dry. To complete this project, use fabric glue to attach felt to the back. To make it more durable and attractive, you may like to apply a coat of glossy acrylic.