Paper Mache Costumes for Beginners

Answer 1

Costumes are a popular part of many cultures around the world, used to create magic, mystery and marvel at festivals, parties and religious ceremonies. While outfits are easy to assemble with the help of thrift stores, accessories are harder to come by. Whether you want to make your own crown for a Halloween costume or create a stylish masquerade ball mask, knowing how to create your own costumes allows you to create more unique props and save money in the process. Paper mache is one of the simplest, most versatile ways to make your own props. With just a little glue, water, paper and creativity, you can make your imagination come to life.

Paper Mache

You'll need:

• Glue
• Water
• A mixing container you donÕt mind getting goopy
• Newspaper
• Masking tape
• Plastic wrap
• Paint and other decorating supplies

One of the most basic crafting techniques, paper mache continues to be one of the most versatile tools to a costume maker. Originally made from flour and paste, today it is easier for most people to make it out of glue and water. You'll need to create some sort of mold to create your prop around. For instance, if youÕre making a staff, you could use a broom handle as a mold.

1. Ripping the paper. To begin, tear your newspaper and printer paper into strips about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long. Keep the two kinds of paper separate. Don't cut your paper! The tear lines help absorb the paper mache mix and will make a stronger finished product.
2. Creating a mold. Next, create a frame for whatever prop you're making. Upside-down mixing bowls and balloons make good circular shapes. You can use crumpled up newspaper and tape to add more specific shape to your mold. Once you've created your mold, cover it with plastic wrap, using masking tape to secure it, so that the paste comes smoothly away from your mold once it's dry.
3. Making the mix. The ratio for making paper mache is around 3/4 parts glue to 1/4 parts water. Depending on the type of glue, you may need to add more water or glue. You want your paper mache mix to be the thickness of a hearty chowder.Some paper mache props start to mold after a while, but you can prevent this by simply adding a few tablespoons of salt to your paper mache mix.
4. Placing the paper. To begin your project, submerge one piece of newspaper in your mix and then use your fingers to squeeze off the extra goo. Place the piece of wet newspaper anywhere on your mold and repeat until covered. For extras strength, you can add another one or two layers. Wait for the previous layer to dry completely before adding addition layers.
5. Finishing touches. Let your project dry completely. It may take 24 hours or more, depending on the size of the project and local weather conditions. Once dry, carefully pry your project off the mold. You can use scissors or a utility knife to even up jagged edges and cut holes where necessary. Lastly, decorate to your heart's content! Paints, markers, yarn, sequins, buttons, plastic foliage and more can be easily added to a paper mache base.