0
Well, first you want to decide what you want to mache. if you want something like a pinata or mask, then you would start with a balloon. But be creative! A properly sized bowl could be used to make a Halloween costume helmet, some cardboard tubes taped together can become castle turrets. Whatever you can think of, but you usually want to use something that is expendable (if you're completely covering it with mache).
First you have to prepare your craft area. you don't want to get paper mache everywhere, so you should lay out boxing paper or packing paper, or newspaper over your working surface. Then you need to tear up some sort of paper (most people use newspaper) into strips, not too thick, or it won't fold properly over the curves of the balloon (let's imagine we're making a pinata). Also, you don't want the strips too long. they should be about the length of your hand, but it really don't matter, as long as you're not trying to plaster a whole sheet of newspaper onto your balloon
Before we make the paste, you should go put on an old top, just in case you get some on you.
The next step is to create the paper mache mixture. Now, there are a bunch of recipes out there to choose from. Most use flour and water, but the ratios are what is in question. A simple one is a 1:2 part flour water ratio. which mean for every cup of flour, you mix in 2 cups of water. Make sure to mix well to get rid of all the lumps. It should be the consistency of paste, not too thick, but not very runny either. Experiment to find out what works for you.
Now, blow up the balloon to whatever size you want. If you're making a mask, you'd want it to be the size of a head right? That's also a good size for a pinata. So, once the balloon is inflated and tied off, you need to build the rest of the animal onto the balloon so, say we're building a pig. Cut a bit off a toilet roll for the snout and tape it to one end of the balloon cut some ears from cardboard and tape then to the head. four more bits or toilet paper roll for the legs, and we can worry about the tail at the end.
Once you have the basic shape of the animal (or whatever it is you're building), you can start plastering it. Dip the strips of paper in the paste, covering it completely, then, wipe off all the excess paste before putting it onto your balloon This way, you don't get great lumps of mache dripping all over the place. I drag the strip of paper between two fingers, squeezing off the excess. Then place the piece onto the balloon Continue doing that, overlapping the pieces of paper until you have the whole thing covered in one layer. Remember, the trick is so criss-cross the paper, so don't lay the strips all the same way. Mix it up a bit.
It's also best, when working on a balloon to leave the tie point of the balloon exposed, this way, you can have some way to extract the balloon. Also, for a pinata, some way to put in the candy.
Now, leave that layer to dry completely. Overnight or longer. Store the rest of the mache, covered in the fridge. Each layer MUST be dry before putting the next one on, or it will never dry properly and can go mouldy. You can help it along with a hair dryer.
Once it's dry, do the same thing again with another layer of paper. Wait for that to dry as well. Continue doing this until you have you desired thickness. For pinatas, i suggest three or four layers. You don't want them getting through too easily. Something more sturdy like a piggy bank or what not, you might want more. It all depends on what you're making.
If you are planning to paint your creation. I suggest that the last layer (or two) be white paper. That way, the news from the newspaper doesn't show through.
When the last layer is dry, remove whatever it is that you were paper macheing around (unless you meant to cover it completely like a cardboard tube for castle turrets). Snip the balloon near the tie point, and try to pull it out through the hole you left. Once that's out, you can stuff it full of candy, cover the hole with masking tape or some such (remember, you are the boss), and paint it. Don't forget the curly pipe cleaner tail for the pig, and Voila! A pinata!
If you are making something else, figure out how you want to finish your creation and do so. It's completely up to you.
Don't forget to clean up you workstation when you're done!
What else can I help you with?
How do you make a paper mache foot?
You use paper mache to make a foot. Your welcome.
Do you use paper in paper mache?
yes
How do you use papier-mache in a sentence?
I know how to make paper - mache out of napkins.
How do you make paper mache bones?
Use wire coathangers, chickenwire, etc, to form the 'bones' on which to plaster the paper mache
How do you make iceberg using paper mache?
you use paper and glue
How can you make a paper mache of a ziggurat?
The best way to make such a structure out of paper would be to use paper mache. Make your base and then cover it with your paper mache mixture.
How do you make a paper mache sphynx?
with paper mache
What did artists use to bind paper in papier mache other than glue?
all you need is flower and water to make paper mache
Can you pant on paper mache?
You may paint on paper mache.
Can paper mache break?
Yes paper mache can burn.
Do you have to use flour in paper mache?
yes. Well, you can make paper mache a number of ways, but one really simple way, is with flour and water.
How can I make paper mache crafts?
You can figure out how to produce and use paper mache on the Instructables website. They provide instructions and diagrams. There are also instructional videos on YouTube.
