PAPERMACHE

Paper Mache

Definition; Is a light material made from paper pulp and glue, which can be molded when wet and painted when dry.

History of Papier Mache

Papier-mâché is as ancient as the invention of paper itself. Paper was invented in China between 202 B.C. and 220 A.D. The use of papier-mâché therefore dates almost around the same time where Chinese used it to make objects such as trays, boxes and figurines.

Ever since its invention, papier-mâché has been used to make a wide range of objects from decorative to functional.

It has been used for making different objects such as soldiers’ helmets in China, jewellery, boxes, bowls, trays sculpture, masks and other forms of artifacts .

In Europe, the use of papier-mache reached its peak during the eighteenth century. In England, papier-mache became one of the most important crafts so much that factories were set up to make products such as trays, tables, cabinets, candlesticks, chairs, lamps, book shelves, wall decorations, screens, bed frames as well as completing buildings.

Over centuries, the basic techniques in papier-mache have slightly changed although styles of decoration vary from country to country. While mass production has discontinued, papier-mache has remained such a valuable material for crafting.

Possibilities

-It’s cheap. (I.e. prepared from waste paper).

-It is a light material. (For pots, vases, bowels est).

-Finished products can be painted.

Limitations

-Requires long preparation process.

-It cannot survive a moist environment if not painted and varnished

-Requires reinforcement for big pieces and areas of tension.

-Paper pulp cannot be used alone, needs glue and an armature.

Techniques in Papier Mache

There are two basic techniques in papier mache. These are;

1. Strip method
2. Pulp mache method.

Preparation;

-Tear paper into small strips.

-Soak the strips in water till it softens. If paper is too hard, boil it in water.

-Crash paper into pulp using a piece of wood or hand blender.

-Squeeze out the excess water and leave pulp with just enough moisture.

-Mix pulp with glue ready for use.

– Design an armature in your preferred material depending on the design materials to used can be clay, wire mesh, etc

-When working with paper Mache add one layer at a time and let it dry before adding another layer.

Watch the video to get an in-depth understanding of how to make papeir mache