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Paper Mache

Fun, Easy and Kid-Friendly

Have You Papier Mâchéd Yet?
Photo Credit: iStockPhoto-Schulte Productions

Certified kid - friendly by Miss SmArty

Hi, my son needs to make a snake and monkey with paper mache. I don't have a clue, can you maybe help please? I’m clueless.

Thank you for the artful emails.

Euodia

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You must be in the 1% of the population that never did paper mache (originally "papier mâché" from the French "chewed paper") as a child. You are in for some fun!

All you need are:

• Old newspapers
• Masking tape
• Armatures made of paper or cardboard
• Cutting implements (depending on what you use for armatures)
• Flour and water paste or thinned PVA glue (like Elmer’s Glue -All)
• Acrylic paints

Paper Mache Snake Suggestions

To make a writhing snake armature, cut empty paper towel or toilet paper tubes into 2 inch lengths using a serrated knife. Lay them on the work surface in a squiggle shape.

Roll balls of paper to place between the sections at the open side to support the snake shape.

Roll a rounded ball for the head and then flatten it into a pointed snake head shape.

Roll a smaller ball and then press it to a point for the tail.

Tape all the pieces together and get out the glue!

Making Paper Mache

Find or make armatures (supports) in the form of the item you want to make.

Use crumpled paper to make rounded shapes; cardboard tubes from toilet paper, wrapping paper or paper towels for tube shapes like arms, legs or snakes; and cardboard boxes for rectangular shapes.

Create the basic form by laying out the armatures on your work surface (covered with newspaper).

[This project recycles lots of newspaper!]

Tape the shapes together with masking tape. Your creation is starting to take its form.

Tear a pile of strips of newspaper (amount depends on how large your creation will be).

Mix thin flour and water paste in a large flat bowl or edged plate/pan. Alternatively, pour PVA glue into the container and thin with water.

Slide a strip of newspaper through the glue and wrap around the armature. Repeat as required.

Some areas you will want to build up, requiring extra layers. When you have the shape you want, let dry at least overnight.

Paint with acrylic paint and let dry.

For a gloss finish, coat with two or three coats of slightly diluted PVA Glue.

Optional - add any special effects your might want. For example, a fringe of black crepe paper could be used to make eyelashes. Crepe paper ruffles can form a frilly skirt.

I'm glad you enjoy the artful emails.

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