How to make papier-mâché at home

Glue

The most affordable ingredient is PVA glue, which can be purchased at any stationery store, and it has many advantages. For example, even children can work with this substance, it is easy to apply, there is no need to pre-prepare it, when it dries it becomes transparent and stretches a little, due to which you can easily avoid the appearance of cracks on the finished product. Of the shortcomings - a lot of papier-mâché from it is not particularly convenient to cook, since the paper itself does not soak well in the glue. And in order to add it later, it is necessary to rid the mass of the liquid as much as possible, otherwise either it will turn out to be too liquid and will not keep its shape, or there will be not enough glue, and the product will begin to crumble during the drying process.

Simple transparent office glue is not worth using at all, since when it dries it becomes brittle, due to which the outer layer of the product turns out to be sloppy, and during further processing, unnecessary chips may occur.

Instead of stationery, it is better to use professional wood glue. It allows you to significantly increase the strength of the finished product. And the manufacture of objects from layers of thick cardboard and such glue under pressure allows achieving such great rigidity that this method was actively used in factories for the manufacture of backs of chairs and armchairs.

Wallpaper glue is ideal for making sculpting stock. In this case, there is no need to additionally squeeze out excess moisture from the water-paper mixture, but it is enough to add dry glue, which will absorb the excess liquid. If it is necessary for the product to be more durable, then you can use the composition for vinyl wallpaper, since it was originally designed for a greater weight. And accordingly, it will withstand a greater load than glue for paper or non-woven wallpaper.

Separate recommendations and warnings

There are the following recommendations:

In order not to get confused in the number of layers, you can separate them with colored paper. If you plan on making a white craft, finish with 5-6 layers of white paper.
To prevent the material from remaining on your hands during sculpting from the mass, use gloves and wet them periodically with cold water.

Dry the product under normal room conditions. Do not use a hair dryer or place the craft on the battery. Cracks can occur from elevated temperatures.
As a frame, you can take any household items, or you can make it yourself of any shape. Use plaster or plasticine to make the base.
For painting products, use paints of a thick consistency: gouache, acrylic.

We advise you to watch the video instruction:

Starch paste

There are many recipes for starch paste for papier-mâché, but the most popular of them are the following.

Starchy with PVA. Ingredients:

Potato starch - 60 grams (3 tablespoons).
Water - 1 liter.
PVA glue - 15 ml.

Preparation:

Pour water into a saucepan, bring to a boil.
Introduce starch into boiling water in parts, stirring constantly. Make sure that no lumps form. Bring the resulting solution to the required consistency.
Add PVA glue, mix thoroughly, cool, if necessary, strain through cheesecloth.

This recipe for papier-mâché starch paste is devoid of the only drawback of the previous version of the binder due to the presence of PVA, however, it is no longer environmentally friendly and unsuitable for working with children under 3 years old.

Starchy with sugar. Ingredients:

Potato starch - 40 grams.
Water - 100 ml.
Sugar - 10 g (1 tsp).

Preparation:

Pour the potato starch on a baking sheet (on parchment paper), heat in the oven to 400 ° C, until a brownish mass with bubbles forms.
Cool, crush the starch layer, mix with water and bring to a boil.
Add sugar, boil to the required consistency, cool.

According to this recipe, papier-mâché glue is prepared not only by amateurs at home, but also in production. Such a paste is characterized by increased stickiness, however, the products will definitely need to be varnished, since the sugar in the composition can attract various insects, including cockroaches.

Pulp creation techniques

Depending on the method of making paper material for papier-mâché blanks, there are 3 options:

Sequential layer-by-layer technique. With this method, the paper web (it should have a low density) is cut into small segments. Then they are glued to the selected frame. After laying each layer, the paper is generously coated with glue. The elements are arranged in no particular order on the base. The thickness of the product varies depending on the characteristics of the papier-mâché craft. The size and shape of paper elements may vary. The main thing is that it is convenient to stick them on.
Making from paper dough. With this method, the paper is crushed, filled with liquid. After the paper has softened, drain the water. It turns out a soft doughy material from which blanks for crafts are formed.
Layer-by-layer pressing. This technique is used in production. Corrugated cardboard sheets are glued and pressed. From the resulting material, a product of the desired shape is cut and processed.

How to make papier-mâché

The prepared paste can be used to make any kind of craft of this kind. The best material for it is ordinary paper, and preferably thin and soft: hard elements are more difficult to glue, especially if the craft has a complex configuration.

There are 2 main manufacturing methods.

Machining - the craft in this case repeats the shape of the original object. The initial form is lubricated with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. The sheet is cut into small fragments - the more elegant the craft, the thinner and smaller the pieces should be, and it is moistened in water.

The first layer is laid on the mold, after it dries, the second is laid, also wetting the fragments only with water. Only when forming the third layer is glue used. As a rule, 4–5 layers are sufficient, but more can be added if necessary. The craft is carefully dried - in a natural way, and then carefully removed from the mold.

Method 2 involves the formation of a soft, friable mass based on glue and paper and resembles modeling from plasticine. In this case, the paper is torn or cut into small fragments, filled with water and waited until the paper pulp swells. Then the resulting volume is boiled over a fire for about half an hour. When the mass cools down, it is squeezed out, excess water is removed, and the resulting mixture is mixed with a blender or passed through a meat grinder.

Before use, the mass is mixed with paste until it becomes elastic. You can add chalk or plaster of Paris to make the craft look white. The necessary shape is molded from the mass. The finished product is dried naturally for 2-3 days.

Recipes

There are a great many papier-mâché recipes, ranging from simple, two-component, to very complex ones, where paper is practically no longer the main material, and sometimes it is not even there. But these are more industrial options. For home use, several of the most popular are enough:

Layered classic. Even a child can make papier-mâché according to this recipe with his own hands, because there is no recipe at all.The whole technique consists in the fact that on a previously prepared form, for example a plate, it is necessary to lay out a layer of wet pieces of paper, grease them with glue, then apply the next one and grease with glue again. Repeat the steps as many times as necessary. The more layers, the stronger the product will be, and the longer it will dry (from 1 to 5 days). Remove the resulting workpiece from the base, cut off the excess, grind, after which you can start decorating. Cover the finished product with a moisture-resistant water-based varnish.
Toilet paper papier-mâché recipe. The manufacturing principle here is practically the same as in the classic version. However, the use of a very thin material (napkins or paper towels are suitable) will allow you to make more elegant products, as well as form frame and frameless sculptures that will be practically indistinguishable from those made directly from paper and glue mass.
The papier-mâché recipe from egg trays is becoming less popular due to the active use of plastic containers by poultry farms. However, the seedling pots have the same structure, so you can still find the material. What for? The fact is that during the production of these products, just this technique is used. Accordingly, it can be said to be a semi-finished product for making papier-mâché. This recipe is relatively simple, although it takes a lot of time to make. First you need to tear the paper into small pieces, pour hot water, leave for several hours to swell, then drain off excess water, grind until smooth, add glue. The mass should keep its shape well, not crumble or flow.
Papier-mâché recipe from the newspaper. Unlike egg trays, newspaper has a denser structure, so it takes more time and effort to make a sculpting mass out of it. Firstly, the newspaper soaks longer, and secondly, in order to obtain a uniform consistency, it will not be enough to knead it with your hands. Here you will need additional tools, for example, a meat grinder, blender or sieve, otherwise the recipe is similar to the previous one.

Papier-mâché crafts from toilet paper and PVA glue for beginners

Not only adults can work on making paper crafts. Small creative personalities can also cope with this task. Parents can only help and guide the craftsman in the right direction.

With a ball

A rubber balloon is often used to create the perfect round shape for the craft. With its help, vases are often made. For such a product you will need:

pieces of toilet paper or newspaper;
paste;
water;
ball.

Making a paper product using an inflatable ball is quite simple:

Inflate the balloon to the desired size. Then moisten it with water and lay out the first layer of paper pieces. In order for them to stick well, they also need to be wetted.
Grease a layer of paper with paste and apply the next one. The paper is now held in place with glue.
It is recommended to apply about 10-12 layers of paper. So the product will be durable.
After every 2 layers of paper, allow the glue to dry for about 10 minutes.
After the necessary work is done, the vase must be allowed to dry. It will take 2-3 days. After the ball is deflated and taken out.
The final stage is alignment and strengthening of the neck of the product.

In the end, you can decorate the vase beautifully. This will require paints, brushes and various decorative materials - beads, sequins, colored threads.

Plate on the wall

This decorative colorful DIY paper plate is an ideal gift from a child or a beautiful addition to the interior. It has a simple shape, so it's not difficult even for a kid to make it. For crafts you will need:

paper;
newspaper;
plate (as a form);
glue;
water;
a brush for applying glue.

To correctly make a decorative plate, you should adhere to the following sequence of work:

Tear the paper into small pieces, moisten it in water and stick the first layer on any surface of the plate-shape.
After applying several layers, the paper should dry. The next step is to apply PVA and glue shreds of newspaper. There should be at least 6-7 such layers, so the product is durable.
After separating the paper pulp from the plate-form, 3 more layers of newspaper are applied from the inside of the product. Small pieces are applied to the edges, smoothing them with glue. The plate is ready. Now it remains to paint and decorate it with decorative elements.

Quick crafts with kids

Children love to sculpt and craft something with their own hands. The papier-mâché technique is quite complicated. But you can make lighter products with your child. It could be a cup and saucer. To complete it, you will need a standard set of materials - paper, glue, water, a brush, as well as a form. The following recommendations must be followed:

Tear the paper. Wet the cup and paper pieces and start sticking them to the mold. Previously, the form can be greased with cream, so that after that you do not fool around with the workpiece being detached.
Then gradually build up layer by layer, smearing everything with glue.
Let dry for at least a day.
Paint the finished product with paints.

You can also make an excellent souvenir with your baby - figurines of fruits or vegetables. To do this, use 2 methods:

Sticking pieces of paper onto the mold, smearing each layer with glue.
Preparing paper dough and sculpting an object of the desired shape from it. The pulp should be thick and elastic and similar in consistency to plasticine or clay.

Cup stencils

The cup can be made in another way. For this, not a form is used, but a special stencil. Manufacturing technique:

First you need to print a cup template and transfer it to thick paper or cardboard.
Next, you should cut out all parts of the product, connect them and glue them.
After that, you need to strengthen the bottom of the cup by gluing a strip of cardboard to the base.
The final action is to apply pieces of paper or newspaper to the body with glue and water. 3-5 coats will be enough.

The finished product can be coated with paint, painted or decorated with decorative elements.

What is needed

Papier-mâché is considered a unique material that can be made from ordinary paper and an adhesive. This technology is often used for joint leisure activities with children. This interesting hobby is sure to please the kid. Moreover, it is of great benefit - it promotes the development of fine motor skills and imagination, forms perseverance and makes the child more patient. To achieve good results, you should prepare everything you need in advance.

Raw material

To make the mixture, take a roll of plain toilet paper. For this purpose, it is permissible to use the cheapest material. It is recommended to break it into small fragments. To speed up the work, it is permissible to fold the paper.

Adhesive base

PVA is usually used as an adhesive base. It is a safe and affordable material that is sold in every store. It is also permissible to use paste.

Papier-mâché flowers

Making flowers from papier-mâché newspapers is more difficult than three-dimensional figures. The technique is as follows: the petals are made separately, then, after drying and coloring, they are attached to one central base, collecting the flower. The required materials are the same, only together with the standard set you need a glass, a balloon, a special glue gun and a sheet of thick cardboard.

Manufacturing:

First step. First dilute PVA with water, mix thoroughly. The proportions are approximately 2: 1 (where 2 is glue). Tear the newspaper smaller. Inflate the balloon, trying to estimate the size of the future flower.
Second phase.Gently glue the surface of the ball with newspaper pieces soaked in glue. Form 4 layers. When finished, leave the ball to dry. It will take 3-4 days. It is better to paste over several balls at once, it will be faster.
Stage three. Cut the dried workpiece into two equal halves. These are the petals of the future flower. Paint them as intended .. Draw white stripes from the inside. Add some smaller black lines below.
Use scissors to give the petals the shape you need, paint over the trimming spots with the main color.
You will need 5-6 petals per bud.
The fourth stage is assembly. The middle will be made of cardboard, and glue the petals on it one by one. Place the first two opposite, then two more in the remaining free spaces. Send the flower to dry.
The fifth stage is the middle. Crumple the newspaper, wrap the resulting lump twice with a napkin. Secure with white thread. Fix tighter. First, cross them, turn them over and cross again. You will get a ball with several selected slices. Attach the finished middle to the center of the dried flower and paint it gently green, draw small black strokes with the end of the brush on top. The last are the white dots on top.
Sixth stage. A sheet of cardboard will be the basis of the future painting. Carefully glue the finished flowers to it and draw additional green branches. Cut the leaves out of thin cardboard. Paint it green and glue two to each color.

Large papier-mâché hedgehog

Making animal figurines is an easy but fun process.

To make a hedgehog, you will need:

plastic bottle (large) - 5 l; (average) - 1.5 l;
unnecessary newspapers;
plaster putty and bandage;
egg trays;
toothpicks;
paints;
artificial eyes (from toys).

Manufacturing:

Cut off the necks of the bottles. Insert them into each other. This is the face of a future hedgehog.
Add some volume to the shape with moistened newspaper pieces. Paste the back, sides, bottom. This will give the hedgehog a natural look. Blind the face in the same way.
Leave to dry, then cover the entire craft with putty.
Spines of a hedgehog. Insert the toothpicks, positioning them obliquely, at an angle, while the putty dries.
Paint the hedgehog and, after waiting for it to dry, glue the eyes. If there are no ready ones, then you can draw.

Papier-mache: how to make by sculpting

The technique of waving makes it possible to create thin and durable things. If the work is more solid, without small parts, it is more profitable to use sculpting.

To prepare a mixture for modeling, you will need:

A basin, a cup, a bucket, any container that is suitable for the volume that is at home;
Mixer or drill with a nozzle for mixing paint;
Sieve or mosquito net.

The sculpting technique will help create a larger and more durable product.

To make the mixture strong, wallpaper glue or PVA glue is added to it. To make the mixture plastic, you need to prepare a paste.

For paste:

Pour boiling water over the flour, 1 part flour to 3 parts water;
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally;
Break up the lumps, give a uniform consistency;
Cool and add to the mixture.

You can use starch paste.

Making a sculpture from a sculpting mix:

Pour small pieces of paper into a basin;
Add warm water and paste;
Add glue and beat until smooth using a mixer or drill with a paint stirrer;
Let it brew for 2-3 hours;
Stir again;
Let it brew for 2-3 hours;
Squeeze out the water, if there is excess, pass the remaining mass through a sieve or mosquito net to separate large pieces;
Sculpt.

A primitive set of materials will help you create a stylish decor element

The mass must be flexible enough to keep its shape. You can dry it at room temperature, and if it does not crack, then in the oven at 50-100 degrees.

Useful Tips

For the idea to succeed, adhere to the following recommendations:

Before starting work, the mold must be lubricated so that the finished dried product can easily come off. For this, it is better to use vaseline or vegetable oil.
For the manufacture of some items, for example, a bottle or a vase, the dried workpiece will need to be cut into 2 parts. It is better to do this with a clerical knife. It is worth remembering that this can scratch the base.
As a form, you can use dishes, clay or gypsum blanks, wire, metal mesh, balloons, cardboard boxes and much more.
For the layering technique, it is better to tear the paper rather than cut it. Thus, the edges of the pieces will better adhere to the previous layer, and the structure of the product will be more uniform.
If the mass for modeling turned out to be too dry, then you can add glue (not water), if it is too liquid, then you should either stir in crushed chalk (gypsum) or dry wallpaper glue.
In search of the best papier-mâché recipe, you should not be afraid to experiment, but at the same time, you should not deviate too much from the original proportions.
Starch paste is suitable for light-colored products, as it becomes transparent when dried.
The dried workpiece is easily exposed to mechanical stress, so existing irregularities can be cut with a knife, and also sanded with sandpaper to achieve maximum smoothness.
Before painting, it is better to prime the product, so it will be possible to even out both the color and the relief, as well as protect the workpiece from the effects of water and paint, which will allow not only adjusting, but also redrawing the ornament, if necessary.

The recipe for the ideal papier-mâché is different for each master, someone finds it right away, someone after a lot of crafts, trial and error. However, a large number of all kinds of cooking options makes it possible not only to choose the only one for yourself, but also to continue experimenting and delight loved ones with your new works of art.

In addition, it is worth remembering that making papier-mâché, like other types of applied art, allows you to develop attentiveness, perseverance, as well as fine motor skills and artistic skills.