3 Easy Paper Mache Sculpture Ideas

Creating incredible art through the use of paper mache.

Paper Mache Sculpture

Paper Mache likely reminds you of Pinatas or objects you made in elementary school. That is my first recall about what Paper Mache was all about. Paper Mache goes way beyond the pinata and cut little ornaments, it is a whole world of art and sculpture. There are amazing works of art on display in many museums. If you have a chance, take some time to go and see some of the displays.

Paper Mache has been around for a very long time, as long as there was newsprint and glue! It is not just a kids craft, it is ideal for those who love to sculpt using re-cycled materials or create objects with the paper mache pulp.

Quick Links to Information in this Post

Materials and Tools
3 Paper Mache Projects Just For You
Reading Resources
Videos On Paper Mache
Downloadable Resources

Here’s what you need to make your own Paper Mache Sculpture. This post does contain some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

I have found some absolutely amazing pieces on Pinterest! I have a whole board just dedicated to Paper Mache!

Here are some images I would love to share with you before we start working on our own projects!

Paper Mache Owl – Pinterest roundecor.com

Materials and Tools

As we will be working on 3 different projects (or just one if you so choose), I have put together an entire list of everything you will need for all 3.

Newspaper cut or torn into strips (you will need lots of these so a few days worth of old newspapers (or magazines) will work perfectly well.
Masking tape (you can use other tapes) to tack your project together before applying the paper mache.
Glue – you will be making a glue mixture so that you use 2 parts of glue to 1 part of water. (For example: 1 cup of glue and 1/2 cup of water). Strong bonding glue requires half glue and half water, so it depends on what you have in the house.

Flour and water – Flour is mixed 1 part flour to 1 part water. If your project is large enough you could consider 1 part flour and 1 part glue.

Wallpaper paste – 2 parts wallpaper paste to 1 part water – this mixture is great for projects that will last a long time.

Surfaces for Projects – here are some examples of what you will want to find and put together

Balloons,
pipe cleaners,
paper plates,
toilet rolls,
plastic or disposable cups, plastic
utensils, and
cardboard for making shapes.

A releasing agent if you are going to use real dishes – you will need to coat these items before using them for shapes, otherwise, they will be permanently affixed to your project.

Paints – I usually suggest watered down acrylic paints but you can use watercolor paints as well.

Modge Podge or other sealant for your finished project.

Project worksheet with instructions – you can download these from my resource library.

Time – you are likely going to be spending a couple of hours working on these projects and then setting them to dry overnight before finishing the final piece.

3 Paper Mache Projects Just For You

You will find the template for each of these projects in our Resource Library. To access the library just click on the link to get you going. If you are already a subscriber, you will find the password at the end of each email I send and at the bottom of all my articles.

Project #1 – Giant Letters

Project #2 – Hanging Birds Nest

Image from Pintrest – handmadekidsart.com

Project #3 – Bracelets

Image *from Flickr.com by smartalexacker*

Reading Resources

There is always a lot more to learn when it comes to any craft, and paper mache is no exception. These books will take you from a beginner making monsters to an advanced artist. You will be hooked once you read a couple of these books. If you don’t want to buy them, you can always check your local library and see what they have available. For me, I always end up buying the books because I use them and often make them messy! (Anyone else get their books messy when working with crafts?)

These books will certainly give you plenty of ideas around what else you can create. If you are going to spend the time getting messy, why not add another couple of projects at the same time!

Videos On Paper Mache

How to Mix Your Base Glue

Applying Strips of Paper

Creating Your Project

Paper Mache Sculpture: Last Word

Did you try our paper mache project? I know it was a lot of fun, especially when you can use objects around the house as parts of the design. I know I was surprised at using crayons, paper clips, and packing materials as the base for my project.

If you completed your project, do share it with me in the comments or on our Facebook page, I love the see what others are doing!

Don’t forget to get your project template and instructions from my resource library!

Until tomorrow…

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PS the password for the resource library is love

Please pin this image to your favorite board so you can return to this post anytime you wish!

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How to get started with Paper Mache Sculpture - BettesMakes.com