Functional tableware made from papier mache. DIY papier-mâché for beginners: instructions and recommendations

Evgenia Smirnova

To send light into the depths of the human heart - this is the purpose of the artist

18 Mar 2014

Content

Compared to other types of handicraft, papier-mâché stands out for its versatility and originality. Now you will learn what the rules are for making papier-mâché and how to make simple but very beautiful things from it.

To make a souvenir, gift or just a useful thing, you don’t have to be a master of pottery. You can stock up on more unnecessary paper and start creating. We will now look in more detail at how to make papier-mâché from what is at hand. Thanks to these recommendations, you will easily learn all the intricacies of this matter, understanding the main difficulties and nuances.

History of papier-mâché

Papier-mâché is a homogeneous mass created from paper waste with the addition of any adhesive. Translated from French, this name translates as “chewed paper.” This composition was first used in the 16th century in France. Even then the dolls from paper pulp have become incredibly popular. In Russia, papier-mâché appeared only under Peter I, and its industrial use began at the beginning of the 19th century.

A huge number of products are made from papier-mâché. Thanks to their composition, they are particularly light but durable. If initially the mass was used only for creating dolls, then later it began to be used for making dishes, souvenirs, masks, toys, and decorative elements. But papier-mâché is especially indispensable in theater arts, where they make dummies and theatrical props from it.

Methods for creating paper pulp

Today there are only three ways to create a mass of papier-mâché:

  • The simplest is layer-by-layer technology. Small pieces of paper are placed on a pre-prepared mold made of clay, plaster or other material. In some cases, the number of superimposed layers can reach up to a hundred. As a rule, for this purpose several strips are cut and placed on top of each other in different directions.
  • It is especially important that the strip is coated with glue on both sides, which will subsequently ensure the strength of the finished product. As soon as the first layers of 3-4 pieces are created, it is necessary to thoroughly dry the product. Only after this they continue to work, drying every 4 layers. Further work directly depends on the purpose of the craft.
  • A more ancient method is the production of papier-mâché from paper pulp. To do this, tear newspaper or other paper into small pieces and soak in hot water for 8-10 hours. Next, heat the mixture to break down the fibers. Using a colander, drain the water and grind the paper into a homogeneous mass (with a mixer or blender). Add paste or glue to it, depending on the chosen method. The result is a homogeneous mass, which is as easy to work with as with plasticine.
  • The third method is more complex and is often used in industrial settings. Sheets of cardboard are placed on top of each other and coated with adhesive, after which they are pressed. As soon as the workpiece dries, it is sanded and painted. This technique produces flat elements that require special strength.

How to prepare material for working with papier-mâché

Any instructions regarding the creation of papier-mâché begin with the preparation of the necessary supplies. First of all, it is paper. For the first time, use newspaper. It gets wet easily, and the finished product will be especially durable. It’s just as easy to work with regular toilet paper or napkins. In addition to the above, egg cartons, cardboard, including corrugated cardboard, and other similar paper products are suitable.

Ready-made glue is used as an adhesive composition. As a rule, it is PVA diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio. At home, starch or flour can be used to prepare the paste. The density of the composition depends on work experience and the type of product being manufactured.

In addition, you will need a base or mold for modeling, vegetable oil with which to lubricate its surface to prevent the mass from sticking to the mold, acrylic paint and varnish. If you don’t have special paint, you can mix gouache and PVA glue in equal parts. This composition is easily washed off from the product when it has not yet completely dried, and after complete drying it does not smear even when applying subsequent layers or varnish.

Before you work on paper, you need to prepare a paste. To do this, boil a small amount of water. In a separate bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons of flour or starch with water until smooth. Pour this mixture into boiling water in a thin stream and heat until thickened. The more starch or flour you add, the thicker your paste will be. Preparing glue is much easier. To do this, pour the required amount of glue into a separate container and add the same amount of water, stirring thoroughly.

The selected material (newspaper or paper) must be crushed. This work is painstaking, but the further process will depend on how finely you tear the paper. The pieces need to be poured with hot water and allowed to stand for several hours. After this, drain the water and use a mixer to grind the paper into a homogeneous mass. If the mixture is too liquid, simply drain it in a colander and squeeze out the excess water. A similar technique can be used no matter what material you use.

The resulting dust must be mixed with glue to form plasticine and allowed to rest. If you do not plan to sculpt immediately after preparation, you can store the mass in a tight bag in a cool place. For those who do not fully understand the features of preparing the mass, we recommend watching the video lesson.

To make the product especially durable, do not be lazy to make more layers. This is especially true for masks and plates. While working, you need to wear gloves to avoid contamination of your hands, otherwise the glue and paste will dry on the skin and the product will begin to stick to your hands.

Experiment with the materials you use. Gradually you will find what you are more comfortable working with. Be sure to cover the base with oil, otherwise after drying you simply will not be able to remove the workpiece from it. It is especially important not to cut the paper, but to tear it. This is the only way you can break the bond of the fibers, and the mass will be more homogeneous.

Important advice for painting papier-mâché items. If you plan to create a white product, then you need to use white paper, and only for the last two layers. In other cases, you can simply paint the product in desired color. But the varnish coating will protect the craft from moisture.

Be sure to cover the work surface, otherwise the glue will be difficult to clean off later. Do not rush to apply the next layers without waiting for the previous ones to dry. You also need to paint only after all layers have dried thoroughly.

Step-by-step instructions for making a papier-mâché plate

  1. Prepare a plate - it will be our base. It needs to be lubricated with vegetable oil or Vaseline.
  2. If you use ready-made mass, then simply apply it to the plate in the required layer, carefully pressing it to the surface.
  3. When using strips, simply stick them in a chaotic order on a plate.
  4. We smooth the surface with fingers dipped in glue, creating a perfectly smooth surface.
  5. Let the workpiece dry for 2-3 days (depending on thickness).
  6. Carefully remove the plate from the mold and dry it in this form for another day.
  7. Next, we use paints or, as an example, a mixture of gouache and PVA glue. You can also decorate the product with decoupage napkins, craquelure varnish, or use other techniques for decoration.
  8. A day after applying the last layer, you need to coat the product with varnish on both sides and dry it.
  9. A hole is made with a thin drill (if it was originally planned to hang the plate on the wall).

Step-by-step making of a carnival mask from papier-mâché

  1. Let's prepare the form. This can be a ready-made plastic mask. You can also mold it from plasticine. It is especially easy to make masks using jars. To do this, a contour is drawn on the can, and the convexity of the nose and forehead is created from plasticine.
  2. After the surface is lubricated, apply the mixture and dry all layers.
  3. This work continues until the mask becomes durable. Be sure to follow the instructions for working with layered papier-mâché, otherwise if there is not enough glue between the pieces of paper, the finished product will simply crumble.
  4. Next, the previous scheme is repeated: the mask is covered with paints, decorated with feathers, beads and other elements, and also varnished.

Making papier-mâché beads

  1. You can make beads of absolutely any shape. We need to determine what our product will look like. After this, prepare thin wire, pliers and scissors. In this case, all steps must be performed as carefully as possible, since it depends on appearance of the entire product.
  2. Make the required number of elements from the papier-mâché mass: balls, triangles, ovals, and so on.
  3. Let them dry a little, but not completely. Using wire, we make loops and carefully insert them into the workpieces. Create the desired length and secure the lock.

In this way, not only beads are made with your own hands, but also bracelets, necklaces and even brooches. Look at the photo and choose the most attractive option for yourself. You can use your imagination.

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How to make papier-mâché step by step

Papier-mâché is a type of mixture from which you can create your own original craft at home. This French name literally translates to “chewed paper.”

Papier-mâché is a mixture of cardboard (paper) with adhesive materials (gypsum, starch). From a similar mass you can make it yourself at home. decorative ornaments, children's toys or furniture.


Workplace

To create papier-mâché you will need a large, spacious table. It needs to be covered with oilcloth or paper (newspaper), which you won’t mind throwing away after work. Keep a dry cloth near your work area to wipe your hands from glue.

Before considering options for crafts made from papier-mâché and the tools necessary for this, it is worth studying in more detail the instructions on how to make papier-mâché correctly, production techniques and some nuances.

Papier-mâché techniques

Today, there are many techniques for making various papier-mâché crafts.

In order to make a large craft, you will need to work with paper and paste. What kind of papier-mâché craft can you make? Beginning handicrafts are advised to make small crafts and only then try to create toys and interior items.

The most popular technique for making such crafts is mashing. The basic principle is gluing torn paper layers on the subject. After waiting for the paper to dry, remove it from the craft, paint and varnish.

This manufacturing technique is very simple to perform and can be mastered by children. Simple papier-mâché crafts are suitable for beginner needlewomen. A similar method is used to make plates or cups.

First you need to shred the paper, fill it with water and mix thoroughly. The prepared mixture is left for a day, then squeezed out and glue is added.

For maximum ductility experienced needlewomen It is advised to add 2-3 tablespoons of any of the oils. If you carefully pack the prepared mixture in cling film, you can keep it in working condition in the refrigerator.

What crafts can be made from papier-mâché

Similar techniques for making crafts allow you to create interesting interior items, children's toys, boxes, dishes, etc. Children between five and ten years old show the greatest interest in this hobby.


Such activities lift children's spirits, develop motor skills and the perception of beauty. This hobby does not involve any particularly complex activities. The main thing is perseverance.

How to make your own papier-mâché plate

Beginning handicrafts are advised to start this hobby by making a plate. Try to involve your children in this activity. This will make the process of making papier-mâché crafts of any complexity more exciting and fun.

First you need to cut the paper ( white), or newspaper into small strips. Next, we prepare the base for the craft - a plate. In a separate bowl, mix water and PVA glue.

Grease the plate with butter or cream. This will make the paper come off easier from the base. Next, dip the cut pieces in water and glue them on. First, lay out one layer. It must be thoroughly coated with glue and the next one placed on it. The process should be repeated until the layer thickness reaches three to five millimeters.

Once the workpiece reaches the required thickness, it is left to dry at room temperature. After complete drying, carefully remove the workpiece from the base.

To make the surface beautiful and smooth, treat it with sandpaper and apply a layer of putty on top.

Such plates will perfectly decorate the interior of an apartment, house, or area in a photo studio. Show your imagination and be inspired by photos of papier-mâché crafts on the Internet. Creating a product from papier-mâché is inexpensive, but the fake will look interesting.


How to make a tiger piggy bank from papier-mâché

In Internet sources you can find a lot of master classes on papier-mâché. Here is one of them: creating a tiger piggy bank. To do this you will need: White paper– 2 l., sheets of newspaper, plasticine, jar, glue, paste, gouache, acrylic varnish.

First of all, prepare a paste (boiled and cooled mixture of cold water and starch). The jar is turned over and placed on the floor or table. It is covered with plasticine, forming the animal’s face.

To make the piggy bank stronger, leave it to dry overnight. This is followed by gluing with white paper using PVA glue.

Let the workpiece dry a little, and then cut it into two parts. They must be removed from the can and reconnected using PVA glue and white paper.

We make a cut on top of a size suitable for coins. The workpiece is treated with white gouache on top, and after drying, you can begin to paint it. The tiger piggy bank is ready!

Photos of papier mache crafts

Papier-mâché is an ancient art that has not lost its popularity. Try this simple creativity and find a source for new masterpieces in it!

Papier mache - simple technique making three-dimensional objects using paper and paste. Even with the advent of various plastic masses (super plastics), papier-mâché does not lose its popularity, remaining indispensable for some types of creativity (for example, masks). Commit short excursion into the history of this unusual technology and find out what options there are for its use, how to make papier-mâché with your own hands, and how this activity will be useful.

History of paper art

The papier-mâché technique is time-tested, because its history goes back several thousand years! The ancient Egyptians made death masks using layers of papyrus interspersed with adhesive. In Persia, laminated paper was used to make decorative items, including chests and goblets. Often, thin metal plates were applied on top of the paper layer.

The strength of papier-mâché products with a large number of layers was noted back in ancient China- there they began to use this technique to produce armor and shields that could protect a warrior not only from an arrow, but also from a blow from a sword.

Repeated coating with natural varnishes added additional strength to the material. In addition, ceremonial masks were made from this material in Japan and China, decorative elements for a military suit, home decor items (boxes, vases) and even buttons.

Often the surface of the products was coated with glossy varnish and thus, luxurious-looking things were obtained from relatively cheap material. In India, papier-mâché could be found at any craft market in the form of richly ornamented household items.

Since the 17th century, papier-mâché began to be actively used in France, and then in England, in puppetry - this technique was the best way to reproduce the delicate features of doll faces. The big advantage was the high strength of the material. Unlike porcelain, the finished papier-mâché product was not fragile, and was also much lighter than wood.

In the 18th century, papier-mâché became an inexpensive alternative to architectural stucco and carved wood, and later the technique was even used to make furniture elements (such as chair backs) and church utensils.

To this day, papier-mâché is widely used in film production and theater for the manufacture of props (dummies of various things: weapons, dishes, jewelry, interior items, imitation of reliefs in the landscape or architectural structures), applied elements for makeup (noses, chins), stage details costume (hats, masks).

Minimum funds and maximum benefits

Papier-mâché is one of the few types of creativity that will be of interest to almost everyone, because there are a huge number of options for products made from laminated paper, and the process of working in this technique does not require artistic training or specific knowledge. Despite the fact that paper is used for this type of creativity, it has nothing in common with other paper hobbies, weaving from paper tubes.

The advantages of this hobby are obvious:

  • it does not require material costs;
  • he does not need a large workplace;
  • you can do without special skills;
  • the technique is an extremely simple process that even a preschool child can master;
  • a wide creative spectrum (making dolls, masks, figurines, boxes, elements for decorations, Christmas tree decorations, lampshades);
  • suitable for making items of any size;
  • finished products are highly durable and do not require special care.

What you need for classes and first crafts

As already noted, papier-mâché is a very economical form of creativity. The main thing you need for papier-mâché is thin paper and glue (PVA, carpentry, stationery, gelatin or starch paste). There are two fundamentally different options this technique:

  • pieces of paper are glued in layers onto the finished form;
  • An elastic mass is prepared from paper and paste, from which an object is formed.

Anyone can include this hobby in their list of hobbies; success awaits only those who do not like to give up what they started. Qualities that will be useful when working with papier-mâché:

  • perseverance;
  • accuracy;
  • a little imagination.

Features of layer-by-layer technique and work process

The first option (from pieces) is suitable for making masks, doll heads, figurines, and boxes. The surface of the finished products can be sanded, so achieving ideal smoothness is very easy. The entire work process can be divided into several stages.

First stage

Prepare thin paper (newspaper works well). To do this, you can cut or tear it into pieces, their size depends on the intended size of the product - for small works it can be 1x1 cm, for large ones up to 4x4, 4x10 cm. Torn paper will make the surface of the product smoother than cut paper.

Prepare a form on which the paper will be glued. To do this, you can take either a ready-made object or one sculpted from plasticine or clay (for example, a doll’s head).

If you take a finished item as a papier-mâché base, remember that to obtain a three-dimensional shape, you will need to cut the finished papier-mâché into two halves to get the base shape, and then glue them together. Therefore, the base may be damaged when cut. For a spherical shape you can take balloon, which, upon completion of work, can be removed through a previously left hole in the layers of paper.

To make the finished papier-mâché easy to separate from the base (both ready-made and molded), it is recommended to grease the mold with Vaseline or wrap it in cling film before applying the first layer of paper.

Second phase

Cover the mold with layers of paper. The number of layers depends on the desired thickness and strength - the minimum number is 4-5, the maximum is not limited, but already with 15 layers the wall thickness of the product will be about 0.5-0.7 cm, so there is usually no point in making more layers than this number.


To evenly cover the form with paper, it is convenient to alternate layers different colors- this way it will be clear when to start a new one.

Third stage

Dry the product well (for 24 hours) and remove from the mold. If a cut is required for removal, it is convenient to make it with a sharp paper knife. After removing the mold, you need to stick pieces of paper on the inside of the product along the cut so that half of the piece extends beyond the cut, then coat them with glue and attach the second half of the product.

You also need to seal the joint line of the halves on the outside with two layers of paper and, for strength, cover the entire form with another layer of papier-mâché (if further painting is planned, it is better to use a layer of white paper).


A well-dried product can be sanded using fine-grained sandpaper.
You can paint papier-mâché with any paint, but it is best to use acrylic - it will not rub off from the shape and dries quickly. If desired, papier-mâché is opened with varnish.

Modeling from paper pulp

The second version of papier-mâché (made from paper pulp) is suitable for forming finished products using the method of simple modeling or modeling on a frame. By the way, the very name of the technique is translated from French as “chewed paper.” There are quite a lot of recipe options for preparing the mass, and after several trials you will find your own optimal ratio ingredients.

It is usually done this way: soak newsprint, cardboard from boxes or egg trays, or toilet paper in warm water, leave it for several hours, periodically kneading it with your hands (you can put it on the stove to keep the water warm).

After soaking, the mass is carefully squeezed out and crushed with a blender or in a meat grinder (a more labor-intensive option is rubbed through a sieve). Next, add glue to the mass and knead until the homogeneous elastic mass stops sticking to your hands.


The formed product dries completely in 2-3 days - you should not dry it on a radiator, as this can lead to cracks. The dried mass becomes hard and very light. It can also be sanded and painted in the same way as or.

A useful and enjoyable activity

As has already been noted, using the papier-mâché technique you can make absolutely different types products, this great way make both decorative works and things for practical use in the home. Using this technique, you can imitate more expensive materials, such as metal, stone or ceramics.

Cat's house

Working with papier-mâché calms you down, helps you focus on the process and take a break from everyday worries, and develops creative thinking. Starting with simple and common products, you will quickly move on to selling your own creative ideas.

Step-by-step master classes for beginners

To make it easier for you to move from plans and doubts to actions, our needlewomen have prepared step by step instructions with photo. Taking master classes as a basis, you will quickly master the pape-mâché technique and learn how to create your own masterpieces worthy of imitation.

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Crafts made from papier-mâché are widely popular. It's a success of different ages and adults. There is nothing surprising.

From papier-mâché you can make simple ones for the holiday or, but you can also create real masterpieces that you won’t be ashamed of.

Features of the material

Papier-mâché is a mixture of paper pulp and adhesive. Any crushed one can serve as a base (filler). It is considered one of the most technologically advanced materials, because... it dissolves well in water, forming a homogeneous mass.


Papier-mâché is a mixture of paper pulp and adhesive

The binding agent is the adhesive composition. The most common options are:

  1. Regular office glue or . It is most suitable for simple crafts performed by children of primary preschool age.
  2. Wallpaper glue. Easy to prepare, which ensures wide application.
  3. Paste. You can prepare it yourself by dissolving starch in boiling water while stirring.

To impart certain properties to the mixture, other components are additionally introduced. The plasticity of the mass is given by vegetable oil and. To give strength to the crafts after hardening, gypsum, alabaster or putty is added to the raw material.

Attention! Each master has his own secrets for preparing papier-mâché and adjusts the recipe experimentally in his own way.

The technology for making papier-mâché crafts includes several stages:

  1. Preparation of starting material.
  2. Forming the foundation. Several options can be used. - the mass is laid out on a flat surface in the form. Thin-walled - a complex shape is covered with a thick mixture, and the mass repeats all the depressions and bulges. A typical example is masks. Volumetric figures - they are formed on a frame or by analogy with plasticine. So you can make and.
  3. Hardening the crafts in natural conditions. The process can take several days, during which the product must be left at rest.
  4. Coloring. After the figurine has completely hardened, its final painting is carried out, with all the details drawn. The best option is . Volumetric coloring is achieved by adding the required dye (pigments, gouache) to the prepared raw materials. Often the figures are coated with varnish (colorless or with a tinting effect).

Papier-mâché is a fairly pliable material. Depending on the consistency, it can fill and repeat the most.

Idea! From it you can make decorative dishes, vases, boxes, figurines, various masks and decorative elements with your own hands. different style. The master's imagination is not limited.


Papier-mâché is a fairly pliable material. Depending on its consistency, it can fill and repeat the most complex shapes

Where to start

The inflated ball is pasted over with paper pieces, and after the workpiece has hardened, it is pierced and carefully removed out. After coloring, you get a funny Kolobok.


Another one simple craft– “Kolobok”

Crafts for the New Year

New Year's crafts made from papier-mâché can replace Christmas decorations and decorate the room. can be made using the machining technique.

For such toys, you can use any base - rubber or plastic balls. Paper pieces are glued on top, painted and varnished. The papier-mâché surface can be decorated with sparkles or small colorful pictures.


New Year's crafts made from papier-mâché can replace Christmas tree decorations and decorate the room

To make three-dimensional figurines-decorations, a mixture is prepared. It is best to use toilet paper. A fairly plastic mass can be obtained by dissolving 1 roll of paper in 700-750 ml of water.

After obtaining a homogeneous mass, squeeze out the water and add a binder (PVA glue, wallpaper glue or paste). The mixture should resemble thick sour cream in consistency. You can make figures using children's sand molds. The mass is poured into them, and after hardening it is carefully removed and painted.


Beautiful toys can be made using the machining technique

Features of making dolls

There are many options for making a papier-mâché doll, from very simple children's crafts to original artistic creations.

The mass is prepared on the basis of loose paper - toilet paper, napkins, egg containers, etc. PVA glue, wallpaper glue or paste is used as an adhesive composition. The consistency of the mass should correspond to soft plasticine.


There are many options for making a papier-mâché doll, from very simple children's crafts to original artistic creations.

A simple doll is made in this order:

  1. A mold for the head is molded from plasticine. It is then covered with a thin layer of paper pulp. After it hardens, you need to make an incision through which to remove the plasticine. The final thickness of the workpiece is formed by adding the required amount of mass. The thickness should be 5-6 mm. The eye sockets, nose, mouth, and ears are formed.
  2. A wire frame is assembled for the body. The prepared mass is applied to it with the simultaneous formation of the neck, arms and legs.
  3. Connecting the body to the head using PVA glue.
  4. The doll's outfit is sewn from fabric of the desired color.
  5. The whole doll is painted white acrylic paint. You can add a slight peach tint. Facial features are drawn.
  6. The hair is made from floss or wool threads. They are glued to the head and a hairstyle is formed.
  7. Clothes are put on and secured.

You can also make a complex doll with movable elements from papier-mâché (jointed doll). This craft can be done to an experienced master.

It is assembled according to pre-prepared drawings. The composition includes the following ingredients: toilet paper, PVA glue, gypsum-based putty, detergent liquid.


You can also make a complex doll with movable elements from papier-mâché (jointed doll)

The mass is prepared as follows. The paper is dissolved in hot water (55-65 degrees) for 5-6 hours; it is better to use a mixer for mixing. After obtaining a homogeneous mass, the water is squeezed out through gauze, glue and detergent are added (1 tbsp per 1 liter of mixture). The last thing to add to the mixture is putty (120-140 g/l).

All elements of the doll are molded from papier-mâché separately. To movably connect them together, a strong, tight elastic band or screw connection is used. In the latter case, a screw is inserted into one of the parts, and a nut is inserted into the adjacent element. The joint surfaces must be well machined to ensure a tight fit.

Steampunk technique

Recently, steampunk figures have come into fashion. In essence, this is a fantastic allegory with the transfer of ancient and outlandish elements.

In such figures, originality and irony are especially valued. The jumble of constituent elements may be the most unexpected, but they should create a unified impression.


Steampunk figurines have come into fashion lately.

As an example of a steampunk craft, consider making a fantastic Fish.

The materials used are papier-mâché, foam plastic panel, cardboard, hardboard sheets, leatherette, nails for upholstery, various small gears, and all kinds of spare parts for household appliances.


As an example of a steampunk craft, consider making a fantastic Fish

The base of the Fish is made of a foam plastic panel 1-1.5 cm thick. One longitudinal and several transverse corrugated cardboard ribs are placed on it. The entire base is covered with papier-mâché with the consistency of soft plasticine.

The fins are cut out of hardboard using a jigsaw according to a cardboard pattern and attached to papier-mâché. The scales can be formed from curtain rings and leatherette. Various mechanical parts are installed on top. Here you need to show your imagination, because... no specific order is provided.


It is important that the fish looks like a mechanized monster

It is important that the fish looks like a mechanized monster. Seashells are hung for decoration. You can sprinkle the figure with sand. Then the workpiece is primed to create a brown background, and some details are highlighted with acrylic paint golden color. Finally, the Fish is coated with varnish in 3-4 layers. The length of this craft is 85-100 cm.

Making masks

Some of the most impressive papier-mâché crafts are African masks. Such handmade creations can decorate the interior of any apartment. Their size is 35-37 cm in height, 21-24 cm in width.

The mass is prepared on the basis of toilet paper. One mask will require 2 rolls. The paper is dissolved in hot water, and then mixed with PVA glue (420-440 g), and you need to take thick glue for construction work. To add plasticity, linseed oil (3 tbsp) is added. When mixing the mixture, it is advisable to use a mixer.


Some of the most impressive papier-mâché crafts are masks.

A spherical PVC food tray works well for the shape. Its configuration resembles a mask. A layer of pape-mâché is applied to this form. The main details are laid out separately - nose, eyebrows, lips. Eyes are formed.

Smoothing is provided by the fingers, as well as a stack and a knife. It will take 12-14 days for the craft to completely harden. Then the mask is puttyed with a thin layer and sanded after the putty has dried. The surface must be perfectly smooth.


Such handmade creations can decorate the interior of any apartment.

The mask is dyed in a special mode. First, a primer is applied, and then the entire front surface is painted with white acrylic paint. The next step is to apply black paint on top.

After drying, pearl enamel is applied to the desired places using a sponge. The final operation is coating acrylic varnish. You can use glossy or matte varnish. The photo shows examples of crafts.


The photo shows examples of crafts.

In addition to the indicated colors, African masks can be painted in other colors. Elements of red, yellow and blue are often used. The craft will also be decorated with special details - piercings.

Papier-mâché is rightly considered an excellent material for various crafts. Even small children can make simple products. For teenagers and adults, such creativity develops into a hobby. Their creations can decorate the interior of any apartment.

Sometimes, to complete the comfort and style, our home lacks one detail. Wall clocks, paintings, figurines - all this will certainly complement the design of your home. Today, specialized stores have a rich selection of interior decorations. But nothing can replace jewelry made with your own hands. After all, who else but the owner himself knows what exactly his home is missing. Today we will make a beautiful plate in chinese style from newspaper using papier-mâché technique.

Note: The papier-mâché technique began in the 2nd century in China. Translated from French, “papier mâché” means torn or chewed paper. In ancient times, various things were made from this plastic mass, from kitchen utensils to helmets, and then varnished. This simple master class with step by step photos will introduce you to this technique, and a papier-mâché plate made from newspapers will decorate your interior with your own hands.

To make a plate using papier-mâché technique we will need:

  • Newspaper sheets;
  • Plate;
  • PVA glue or paste;
  • Plate with water;
  • Paints;
  • Brush.

Master class “How to make a papier-mâché plate from newspapers”

1) First, let's tear the newspaper sheets into small pieces. But not too small, let them be 2 cm each. Now take the saucer and turn it upside down.

Let's take one piece at a time newsprint and moisten them in a previously prepared plate of water. We wet it so that the scraps are completely wet. We cover the plate with moistened scraps, as if gluing them. We cover only the outer part of the plate. Place the pieces of newspaper so that they extend beyond the edges of the plate. Then we will trim them.

After laying out the first layer, you need to coat the plate with glue. You can use regular PVA, or you can make a paste. In this case, we will use PVA. Coat the plate with a thin layer over the entire diameter.

Now we put another layer of newspaper scraps on top, also soaked in water. After we lay out the second layer, you need to coat the plate with glue again. Next, again apply a layer of shreds soaked in water.

After the third layer is ready, you need to coat the plate with glue again and let it rest a little.

When the plate is slightly dry, put a layer of newspaper scraps dipped in water on top again. So we apply two more layers. That is, after the plate has dried, three layers are placed again. Be sure to coat it with glue after each layer so that after drying the scraps do not puff up and come off. After the sixth layer is laid out, grease it with glue again and leave the plate to dry.

The more layers you add, the thicker and denser your plate will be. It's better to apply nine layers.

When you have laid out all the layers, you need to leave the plate to dry thoroughly. Leave it overnight.

2) When our newspaper plate is completely dry, we trim the edges with scissors, focusing on the real plate that was pasted over. We take the real one out of the newspaper plate and put it away. Now let's move on to the design. Let's take gouache. We thoroughly paint our plate with white. We paint until the text from the newspaper scraps becomes invisible.

3) Since we will be making a plate in the Chinese style, after the white gouache has dried, we paint the bottom of the plate and the border with red. We paint in several layers. When painting, it is advisable to use as little water as possible so that the white gouache does not start to wash off and mix with the red.

4) Now take black and paint part of the bottom and border of the plate. We also put the paint in several layers.

5) Now we will draw a sakura branch. To do this, change the brush to a thinner one. First we draw the branch itself.

6) Now let’s draw random branches.