Creative people use different, sometimes completely unexpected materials for their work. Thus, crafts made in the papier-mâché style - from ordinary toilet paper using PVA glue or flour paste - are popular today. This technique has been known since the 16th century. It was first used in France. The term itself translates as torn or chewed paper.
Initially, dolls were made from paper pulp, which was mixed with glue. Later they began to produce other figurines, boxes, snuff boxes and similar things. Modern craftsmen use papier-mâché to create various decorative items. Even children can learn this skill. This kind of work develops perseverance, innovative thinking and creativity in little craftsmen.
Basic methods for preparing papier-mâché mass
The main material used in papier-mâché technique is paper. For this, newspapers, cardboard, napkins and other materials are used; toilet paper is especially elastic. There are several ways to prepare raw materials for modeling.
Creating a paste based on starch and wheat flour
To make the mass, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Paper is used as a basis. You will need 2 rolls of this material. They are torn into small pieces and filled with hot water (500 ml). The mixture should sit for about 8 hours.
- To prepare the paste you will need water and starch (or flour). To obtain it, mix 4 tablespoons of starch and a glass of cold water. Next, the mixture is placed on the fire until it boils.
Starch paste - The paper blank should be heated, and then thoroughly beat with a blender until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
- The whipped paper mass is mixed with the paste and allowed to brew for about 20-30 minutes.
This amount of material is enough for 3 small crafts. The paper dough turns out soft and elastic. The figures will harden for about 4 days.
Application of PVA
Crafts made with glue dry much faster (up to 2 days). To prepare the material you need:
- Do the same with paper as in the previous recipe. That is, tear it up, add water, let it brew, and then boil it and beat it with a blender.
- Add glue to the workpiece and mix thoroughly. The craft mixture is ready.
Thick mass based on glue (wallpaper and PVA)
After preparation, this mass resembles plasticine or clay. At the same time, the technique for obtaining it is not much different from previous methods. You also need to prepare toilet paper and add PVA. At the last stage, pour the wallpaper glue mixed in a glass of water (1 tablespoon) and thoroughly knead the mixture like dough. Crafts made from this material are very strong.
See also:
DIY photo frames made of cardboard and paper
