Cool Crafts with Paper

Cool Crafts with Paper — page 3
TECHNIQUES Have fun while making your paper crafts Be creative Your craft projects do not have to look just like the ones in this book For example you can make a half-balloon base by using the directions at right but you can also use a plastic mask mold from a craft store Use the following techniques to create your paper crafts Paper-Mache Glue Add equal amounts of white glue and water in a bowl Mix the glue and water together with a spoon If you have leftover glue put it in a container with a lid and use it later An empty yogurt container works well Paper-mache technique Prepare your base You can make bases out of paper plates egg cartons balloons or store-bought molds Tear several strips of newspaper 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 base aside to dry This usually takes a full day Tip Paper-mache is messy Cover your work station with newspaper or a garbage bag 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 the hole Use tape to hold it in place The balloon will stay upright while you work