How to Make Layered Paper Mache
Use layered paper mache to make paper mache projects. Layered paper mache is an excellent method of paper mache to use with molds, or for large projects such as figures used on parade floats. Layered paper mache is also great for making shapes such as flower petals, letters of the alphabet or even jewelry pendants. In order to make a project correctly, buy paper mache paste or make your own from any of a number of commonly available recipes.
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Things You'll Need
- Old newspapers (full sheets)
- Old fabric (for very large projects)
- Paper mache paste
- Paper mache base or armature
Instructions
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Protect your work space by covering it with an old vinyl tablecloth or an inexpensive shower curtain liner; the covering should be vinyl or plastic.
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Open a sheet of newspaper -- for smaller projects, you can use a half-sheet or even a quarter-sheet -- and spread the paste of your choice over the entire sheet of newspaper.
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Lay another sheet of newspaper over the first one and apply more paste over the top sheet.
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Continue building layers of newspaper and covering each layer with glue until you have about six to eight layers of newspaper. If you are making a very large paper mache object, add one layer of fabric between the layers of newspaper for added strength. A layer of fabric with four layers of newspaper on each side will be strong enough for very large objects.
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Lay the wet layers of newspaper paper into the mold of your choice and press into the mold. If you are using the layered paper mache for a large project that requires a base or armature, you can apply the wet stack of newspaper to your base. If you want to create flower petals, letters of the alphabet or jewelry pendants, let the stack of newspaper dry a bit. When partially dry, cut into your desired shapes and bend or fold as you desire.
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After completely covering your base or making your molded project or cutting out all your desired shapes, let the paper mache project dry for several days.
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Paint your dry paper mache project and decorate as desired after it is completely dry. You can waterproof your layered paper mache project by painting the completed object with a coat or two of waterproof varnish. This waterproofing step is especially helpful for a parade float object that may get caught in the rain.
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References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
