Enrichment

Paper mache recipe

This is the paste I always use, because it’s stronger than boiled paste and easier to do. You can complete a project with only a few layers of paper. To make up the paste, just pour some white flour in a bowl, and add water gradually until you have a consistency that will work well. (Use a small kitchen mixer so you don’t have any lumps).

How thick should you make your paste?

It’s actually up to you. I prefer the consistency of double cream. Keep in mind that it is the flour, and not the water, that gives strength to your paper mache sculpture. And also remember that each layer of paste and paper that is added to your project must dry completely to keep it from developing mould.

What paper should I use?

The traditional paper to use for paper mache is newspaper, which is torn into short strips. (Cut edges can be used, but they don’t blend in as well. It all depends if you are a perfectionist, but remember it will all be destroyed in a few minutes by the animals). Newspaper is cheap, and it is a soft paper that is easy to bend and mould