How to Make Papier Mache

Papier Mache is a great project for the kids to indulge in during the summer vacation or to brighten up the chilly winter months. They can have fun making a mess and be creative all at once.

Things You'll Need

• Torn up newspaper
• Flour and water paste
• Chicken wire
• Wire snips

Instructions

Decide What to Make

1. Tear up lots of old newspapers into strips and place them into a large black bag or big cardboard box. Cut out from your chicken wire, the basic shape you want to "immortalize" and snip off excess wire with wire snips.

2. Mix 2 cups of flour with enough cold water to make a smooth, thick paste. This is your "glue." Cover glue with plastic wrap until you are ready to start making your creation.

3. Grab a handful of newspaper strips from your bag or box and place them on your chicken wire statue or what ever you have decided to create. Smear "glue" onto the newspaper strips and add more strips until there are several newspaper/glue layers. Allow to set and dry out before you add more layers. When your creation has several dried layers--and is the shape you had in mind--let dry for a few days before painting with acrylic paints.

Tips & Warnings

• Always allow newspaper/glue layers to dry thoroughly before the next addition as mold may occur on your creation.

Resources

• Papier Mache Website
• Wikipedia: Papier Mache Information
• Papier Mache Resource Website