Helpful hints
The following information will help you make some of the projects in
this section. If a special skill is needed, the directions will tell you
the page on which that skill is explained. For example: “Make some
papier-mache pulp (see papier-mach6 pulp, page 89).” If you do not
know how to make papier-mache pulp, you will find directions on page 89.
Papier-mache is French for chewed paper, or paper pulp. When wet,
papier-mache is easily shaped. When dry, it is hard and strong and can
be painted.
Strip papier-mache is made by tearing sheets of newspaper into
narrow strips about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Tear the newspaper from the
fold down. Cover the strips with papier-mache paste by pulling each
strip through the paste. Or, spread the paste on each strip with a
paintbrush. To cover an object with papier-mache strips, paste on a
layer of strips in one direction. Then paste on another layer of strips
in the other direction, so that they go across the first layer. Smooth
down all of the strips. Continue this way until you have put on four or
more layers.
Papier-mache pulp can be shaped like clay or used to cover objects.
You can buy papier-mache mix in variety stores or craft shops. This mix
works best for pulp projects. Or, you can make pulp from old newspapers.
To make papier-mache pulp, tear newspaper into pieces about 1 inch (2.5
cm) square. Fill a pail or large pan with the pieces of paper. Squeeze
papier-mache paste into the paper until the mixture feels like clay.
Or, ask a grown-up to help you make pulp with an electric beater or in a
blender. Fill a pail half full with 1-inch (2.5-cm) square pieces of
newspaper. Fill the pail with warm water and let the paper soak
overnight. Then mix the paper and water with the beater. Squeeze out the
water and place the pulp in a large container. Finally, squeeze
papier-mache paste into the pulp until the mixture feels like clay.
Papier-mache paste is mixed with strip and pulp papier-mache to get
a hard finish. Here are three recipes for making this paste.
(1) Stir three parts water into one part flour until the mixture is
smooth and creamy. To make the paste last longer, add a few drops of
oil of wintergreen. You can buy this oil at a drugstore.
(2) Buy some wallpaper paste at a hardware store. Mix one part wallpaper
paste with three parts water. Stir well and the paste is ready to
use.
(3) Mix two parts white glue with one part warm water. Stir well and the
paste is ready to use.
To dry objects made of papier-mache, leave them in an open place for
two or more days. Or, ask a grown-up to dry the objects in an oven set
to a temperature of about 150°F. (65\’C). Warning: Projects made
with balloons should not be dried in an oven.
