How to Make Paper Mache

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Learn how to make paper mache, then pick your favorite paper mache recipe and use it to make many different arts and crafts projects. There are three tried and true recipes for paper mache.

Flour. Water. Salt. - Cold

This is our favorite paper mache recipe.

Mix together 2 cups water, 2 cups flour and 1 Tbs of salt, until smooth.

The consistency should be like a thin pancake batter. Some recipes for the flour and water mix will tell you to mix 2 parts flour to 1 part water, but we prefer equal parts flour and water because it's the easiest to work with.

Flour. Water. Salt. - Hot

This paper mache recipe takes flour, water and salt. But you use 1 part flour to 4 parts BOILED water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and add it to the flour and stir quickly. This yeilds a very smooth paste that dries clear....but....it's not as strong as the cold recipe once it does dry.

Also, be very careful with the kids when learning how to make paper mache using the boiling water method.

White Glue and Water

Use at a ratio of 4 to 1. (2 cups glue, 1/2 cup water). Mix until well blended and smooth.

Some people prefer to use liquid starch or even wall paper paste, however, to work with children I don't recommend either of these. Water, flour or childrens white glue work best and are non-toxic.

How to Use Paper Mache

Once you've made your paste, tear some newspaper into strips and you're ready to start creating. You can also use torn paper towels, or colored tissue paper strips or squares. Make sure you tear, not cut whatever paper you're using. The ragged edges take better hold and lay smoother than cut edges.

You can use inflated balloons, cardboard tubes, egg cartons, empty boxes, cardstock and plastic bottles, to create shapes and molds for many paper mache projects.

Crumpled paper can also be used to define shapes. Use masking tape to hold your project together. You can apply paper mache right over the tape.

1. Dip a strip of paper in the paste making sure to let it get saturated.

2. Grab it by one end and hold it over the bowl as you run your fingers down the strip removing excess paste then place it on your project.

3. Cover your entire project and let that first layer dry thoroughly, (at least overnight) before adding the next layer. Three layers is usually enough for most projects.

Once your project is completely dry you can paint and embellish it.

Tip: To keep mold away from your flour and water paper mache projects make sure they are completely dry before painting.