GETTING STARTED Paper-mache also known as papier-mâché is an art form that uses paper mixed with glue This material can be placed on a mold or formed by hand to make different shapes When it hardens it forms a lightweight hard surface This fun art form gets its name from the French words for chewed paper You don’t need a lot of materials for paper-mache projects You can find whatever you need at a craft store or dollar store or even around the house You can buy plastic face molds or make a base using balloons paper plates or egg cartons Organize your supplies in boxes or plastic bins Pull them out when you want to make paper-mache masks ruler Scissors cardboard toilet paper rolls Newspaper Paint and paintbrushes Tissue paper 4
White GLue Did You Know Paper-mache was invented in China It was used to make helmets and dishes Over time it was used to make all sorts of things like dolls masks and furniture Today it is mostly used for crafts and to make colorful piñatas that are filled with candy paper Towels Paper Plates Plastic Molds Pencil yarn needle Feathers MASKING TAPE balloons A note about measurements Measurements are given in US format with metric in parentheses The metric conversion is rounded to make it easier to measure 5
TECHNIQUES Have fun while making your paper-mache masks Be creative Your masks do not have to look just like the ones in this book The book shows how to use different kinds of bases You can substitute a plastic mask mold for a balloon base if needed If you do not have a half-face mold make one out of cardboard using the pattern on page 31 Use the following techniques to create your paper-mache masks Paper-mache Glue Made with Flour Add 1 cup 236 grams of flour and 3 tablespoons 45 g of salt to a bowl Slowly pour in 1 cup 250 milliliters of water mixing with a spoon Continue to add water until you have a smooth thin paste Paper-mache Glue Made with Glue Add 1 cup 250 milliliters of white glue and 1 cup 250 milliliters of water to a container with a lid An empty yogurt container works well Mix the glue and water together with a spoon If you have leftover glue you can put the lid on and use it later Paper-mache technique Prepare your base You can make masks out of paper plates egg cartons balloons or use store-bought molds Tear several strips of newspaper tissue paper or paper towel Mix together your paper-mache glue Use a paintbrush to coat both sides of a strip Or dip the strip into the glue then use your fingers to squeeze off the extra paste Place the strips one at a time on the mold Smooth the strips with your fingers to remove any air bubbles and extra glue Crisscross the direction of the strips to create an even surface Completely cover the mold Set the mask aside to dry This usually takes a full day 6 Tip When working with a balloon cut a hole in the middle of a paper plate Then pull the end of the balloon through Use tape to hold it in place The balloon will stay upright while you work
Half-balloon mask When the paper-mache dries use scissors or a needle to pop the balloon Draw a line down the center of the balloon lengthwise Cut along the line to make two halves Each can be used to make a mask Paper-mache Shapes To make paper-mache shapes press together several strips to make a wad Squeeze out the extra glue then form the wad into the desired shape Add it to the base cover it with more strips and let it dry completely Tip Paper-mache is messy Cover your work station with newspaper or a garbage bag Be prepared Read through the instructions and make sure you have all the materials you need Clean up when you are finished making your masks Put away your supplies for next time Be Safe Ask for help when you need it Ask for permission to borrow tools Be careful when using scissors and needles 7
