Getting Started with Paper Mache

Paper Mache is done with lots of paper, all kinds of paper. I mostly use newspaper and discarded office stationery. But you can also use cardboard, corrugated cardboard - the kind that cardboard boxes are made of. Cardboard is stiff and can be easily cut and folded, but it cannot be molded into shapes. I have also used corrugated cardboard that comes in rolls. This is ideal for making the base for cylindrical shapes.


Cereal boxes and cardboard of similar texture such as the packages in which department stores deliver suits can also be used for paper mache. This material can be twisted, folded, rolled and squeezed into a variety of shapes. All you need is a stapler, a scissors and a variety of paper materials and you can create wonderful sculptural shapes. If you need very large pieces of cardboard that a discarded cardboard box cannot supply, you can buy it in sheets. This is usually made from re-cycled paper products.

Milk cartons, mailing tubes, and the cardboard tubes from paper towels and glad wrap can also be very useful in some situations. You can use paper napkins, tissue paper, old magazine pages, old gift wrap etc. so you can see that most of the materials that you will need to get started with paper mache are items that people throw away every day.

Other items that can come in very handy at time are things like empty tin cans, soft drink bottles, bits of plywood, strips of wood, coat-hanger wire, paper clips etc. These more sturdy items help to reinforce some models and help to add strength to a sculptual piece.

Different types of tape such as celophane tape, packaging tape, masking tape, mounting tape come in very handy for holding pieces together. And of course you will need glue. White PVA glue is the kind mostly used for paper mache. And don't forget something to protect your work surface. I use a discarded shower curtain that has been washed in the washing maching and then hung out to dry.

String and rope can be used for many different purposes. String for instance can be used to tie a piece together or as a decorative addition to a piece.. I have used off-cut pieces of rope to for the handles of jugs and bowls.

The tools that you will need may all be found around the house. You will need a scissors, stapler, old wooden spoon, handy knives, a rolling pin sometimes comes in hand too!

An old plastic container to hold your glue is a must. This can be an empty icecream container, empty soft drink bottle etc.

Later, when you creation is complete you will need paints, varnishes, gesso, brushes, lacquers and other decorative materials.