Free Crafty Recipe Instructions

Recipe for Homemade Paper Mache & Paper Pulp

By Chris Dunmire

Paper mache makes great modeling material for all kinds of arts and craft projects. It can be formed into sculptures, used for mask-making, and painted.

Several variations for making paper mache (or paper pulp) exist that employ the use of common ingredients such as glue, wallpaper paste, newspaper, and flour. Two common methods are described below.

Traditional Paper Mache

Ingredients:

white glue or liquid starch
warm water
newspaper strips

Directions: Mix two parts of glue to one part water.

Stir well and the paste is ready to use.

Dip newspaper strips into mixture and saturate before using on project.

Alternative Paper Pulp

Ingredients:

newspaper shreds
wallpaper paste
hot water

Directions: Combine newspaper sheds and hot water in a bowl and let them soak thoroughly. Next, squeeze excess water out of the newspaper and mix it with the wallpaper paste. Add enough to thicken the paper mache to the consistency of modeling clay. Knead until smooth.

Reminder: Paper mache shrinks as it dries. •

© 2008 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.

Please respect the creator's copyright by not duplicating this material on your Web site, blog, or print publication without the author's permission.

About the Author
Chris Dunmire is engaged creatively in life as an author, artist, humorist, creativity coach, and workshop facilitator. She's authored dozens of creative projects and playbooks including the famous Dollar Bill Origami Money Plant project book to encourage creative exploration and expression in people of all ages. Learn more about Chris's fun printable e-playbooks at CreativeSlush.com.