Papier mache (Part 2)

Papier mache (Part 2)

Step by step

Step 1

Grease the mould of you choice with petroleum jelly. Smear strips of newspaper with PVA glue. Smooth the down over the mould until it is completely covered. Leave the first layer to dry thoroughly in a warm place (four-six hours). Then repeat the process for eight to 10 more layers. Alternate one layer of plain paper with one layer of newspaper so that you can see how where you started on each layer. This makes your work easier and quicker.

Step 2

Remove the papier mache from the mould by interesting a palette knife between the two. You may find, if you use a ceramic mould, that the papier mache will not come free. In this case, slit the paper down one side with a Stanley knife and tape it together again after removal. Trim the top and bottom edges of the papier mache vase with scissors. Bind the top edge using thin strips of paper and glue.

Step 3

Cut a circle of card for the base using the mould as your template. Secure the card to the papier mache using trips of masking tape. Secure the card to the vase finally with two more layers of papier mache – one on the inside and one on the outside of the vase. Paint the papier mache vase with two coasts of white emulsion.

Step 4

Design and choose the colours for your vase on paper before you begin to decorate the actual vase in pencil. Fill in it using acrylic paints in bold colours. Finish nwith a coat of gloss varnish.

Part 1