How to Make Paper Mache Rugs

Make a paper mache rug with newspaper strips.

Many individuals across the world collect miniatures and miniature doll houses. A problem arises when the right floor covering is not available. An easy way to make a rug is with paper mache. Any size rug is possible as long as there is a piece of card stock or cardboard large enough for the project. This includes full-size rugs if desired. The same process is used to make all sizes of rugs. Practice making a small 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper mache rug to learn the process.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• 8 1/2-by-11-inch sheet of cardstock
• Plastic container
• Water
• White glue
• Spoon
• Scissors or craft knife
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Spray acrylic sealer

Instructions

1. Tear approximately 75 pieces of newspaper into 1-inch by 6-inch strips. Set the strips aside.

2. Cover a flat work surface with newspaper. Place the 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch sheet of cardstock on the newspaper. Place the plastic container on the newspaper.

3. Pour a bottle of white glue in the plastic container. Fill the glue bottle with water and close the lid. Shake the bottle and mix the remaining glue with the water. Pour the contents of the glue bottle in the plastic container.

4. Mix the water and glue mixture with a spoon until the mixture is well blended. Use the mixture as the paper mache paste.

5. Immerse one newspaper strip at a time in the glue and water mixture. Pull the newspaper strip through your thumb and forefinger to remove any excess.

6. Place the wet strip on the cardstock. Smooth the strip with your fingers to remove any bumps or creases. Repeat the process using a overlap crisscross placement of the strips for three to five layers on the card stock. Allow the paper mache rug to dry for 12 hours. The overlap criss-cross placement of the strips strengthens the paper mache rug. Placing the strips side-by-side will create weak areas within the rug that could break.

7. Cut around the outside edge of the paper mache rug with a craft knife or scissors to create the desired shape. Trim the edges only to retain the rectangular shape.

8. Paint the surface of the paper mache rug with acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry 30 minutes. Apply five thin coats of spray acrylic sealer to the surface. Hold the can approximately 12 inches from the surface to spray the thin coat. Allow the coat to dry 15 minutes before applying the next coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Glue fringe to the edge of the paper mache rug to add a realistic appearance. Make homemade fringe from paper strips or use a string fringe sold in the bolts of laces and trims at a fabric store.