Papier-Mache clay tutorial
These paper clay decorative objects are perfect for storing bits n bobs, dried flowers , jewellery storage or just looking cute on a shelf.
YOU WILL NEED:
CARDBOARD ( CORRUGATED)
WATER
BUCKET
BLENDER
BOWL
PVA GLUE
FLOUR
SALT
CLING FILM
SIEVE (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Tear up the corrugated cardboard into small chunk, place them in your bowl or bucket for collecting.
Place the small cardboard pieces in a half filled bucket of water, submerge completely and soak for at least 1 hour (overnight is best)
Use the handheld blender to whizz the cardboard into a pulp. (Safety tip! Please be careful with electrical appliances around water. Switch blender off when not using. Do not let blender motor overheat!)
Pick up a handful of pulp and squeeze out the water, placing pieces into a separate bowl. (Its best to work in smaller batches and help when using your blender to mulch.)
Add 1 small handful of flour for every 4 handfuls of pulp.
Add a teaspoon of salt (to stop mould)
Add PVA glue about 3 tbs or as you feel.
With all the ingredients in the bowl use your hands to start combining.
Use the hand blender to help combine and separate fibres further
Knead and shape the mixture in the bowl and make small hand sized balls, squeeze any excess fluid out.
Consistency of the pulp should be malleable enough to hold its shape without losing too much water and becoming stiff.
THE FUN PART
Now you can use your paper clay to start sculpting shapes or mold around existing containers.
Use clingfilm as a barrier between your work surface and the paper clay, this makes it so much easier to remove. I wrapped bits of cardboard with clingfilm and used these as moveable work surface.
I used a cut up plastic cup to help mold the shape of my pot.I used clingfilm as a barrier placing it inside my chosen mold and placing the paper clay inside, building up the walls.
DRYING
Allow up to 24 hours to dry.
Make sure it's dry to the touch and solid before painting.
PAINTING (optional)
I painted a layer of white paint before applying colour to ensure the surface would be as bright as possible
FINISHED!
Now you can enjoy your new self made art object.
These paper clay decorative objects are perfect for storing bits n bobs, dried flowers , jewellery storage or just looking cute on a shelf.
SAFETY!!
For safety reasons these items are not food safe. do not add water to vessels, they are porous and not waterproof.
TIPS:
USE A SIEVE TO PICK UP STUBBORN PULP PIECES FLOATING IN THE WATER BUCKET
USE CLINGFILM AS A BARRIER WHEN BUILDING OR PLACING PAPER CLAY ON
USE PLASTIC HOUSEHOLD OBJECT FOR YOUR MOLDS MAKE SURE TO USE CLINGFILM AS A BARRIER FOR EASE OF REMOVAL.
VIDEO BELOW SHOWING THE PROCESS