How to make papier mache in different techniques interior decoration items: vases, plate and frame for photos, a mask in the Venetian style for parties, step-by-step photos and a detailed description of the work
In this article we will talk about one unusual andoriginal techniques for creating crafts – papier mache. With the help of simple techniques and simple materials, very beautiful things are created – vases, boxes, masks and theater props, interior decor items such as lamps, dolls, photo frames and much more. Papier-mâché can be translated from French as torn paper. Actually, the meaning is already revealed in the title. All crafts are formed from paper fibers with the addition of various adhesives. Although the name of the technique is French, it came to us from ancient China – the birthplace of paper. During excavations, archaeologists discovered armor with multi-layer lacquer coating, dating back to the 3rd century BC. These original products were quite durable, withstood a sliding cutting blow and had very little weight, which was an advantage in battle. Later, this art appeared in Japan and Persia, where various crafts for holidays, such as masks, were made in this way. From the mid-17th century, this technique became very popular in Europe. For those who are just mastering papier-mâché crafts, it will be important to learn three ways to create them. First you will need a base for crafts. It can then be removed from under the layers of paper or left. The first method is as follows: the first layer – wet paper pieces are covered with glue, another layer of paper is applied to it and covered with glue again. There may be more than a hundred such layers. This process is called – mashing. You can choose a special glue, it is sold in handicraft stores, or you can make it yourself from starch, flour and PVA. If according to the plan the mold needs to be removed, then it must first be lubricated with greasy cream or Vaseline. The second method – the product is created from paper pulp mixed with glue. There are several recipes for creating such a mixture. The main principle remains soaking the paper pieces in water and mixing them with glue. The resulting mass can be cast into a mold or applied to a base. The base form can be wood, plastic, glass or plastic products. The third option for creating papier-mâché crafts is similar to making plywood. Pieces of cardboard are treated with glue and pressed. After drying, the products can be coated with putty, sanded, primed and, after final drying, painted, glued to various decorative elements or painted.
Vases in the papier-mache technique
Such a wonderful element of room decor, likevase, many underestimate and consider them unnecessary. But a vase that is correctly selected in color and shape will definitely become an exquisite touch in the design of the room and will make an additional emphasis on the style of the room. According to the teachings of Feng Shui, vases accumulate positive Qi energy, which has a beneficial effect on the energy of the home. A vase made by yourself will not only decorate the room, it will carry a piece of the positive creative energy of the creator. Papier-mâché vase using maching techniqueTo create a papier-mâché vase you will need:
- Base under the vase (in this master class a glass vase);
- Newspapers;
- Paper bags (you need coarse paper, you can use packaging);
- PVA glue;
- Sharp knife;
- Artificial (synthetic) brush;
- Acrylic paint or primer;
- Paints for final coating;
- A piece of sponge;
- Elements of decor;
- Petrolatum.
So let's get started.First you need to lubricate the glass base with Vaseline, this will prevent the layers from sticking to the base. We cut newspaper and paper into pieces. Can be torn apart. Now take the glue and, if necessary, dilute it a little with water so that it is not too thick. We cover our base in layers, alternating a layer of newspapers and a layer of wrapping paper. This is necessary to ensure that the coating is uniform. You will see if you miss a section somewhere. You need to make at least 6 layers.Now we wait for it to dry completely. Patience is required here – It may take a long time to dry. When you finally wait, make several cuts along the workpiece with a knife (see photo).Carefully remove the base from the papercocoon. We glue the cut areas with masking or regular tape. Now the workpiece needs to be covered with paper in one layer and again wait until it is completely dry. Cover with a primer or white paint. When it dries, we paint it again, this time in the color that we like, or that corresponds to the idea. Dry again.Let's start with the decor. In this master class, the lower part of the vase is decorated with coarse rope. Don't forget to glue part of the vase for decoration.Now we paint the rope winding using a sponge. Our vase is ready. Papier-mâché vase using clay techniqueYou will need:
- Flour ¾ glasses;
- Toilet paper 1 roll;
- PVA glue;
- Mixer;
- Food film;
- Balloons (for the base).
Unwind the toilet paper, put it in a container andpour in plenty of water for about 20 minutes. Then drain the water and tear the paper into pieces. Prepare the adhesive solution. You need to mix 1 part glue, 3 parts water (about 1 glass) + ¾ cups of flour. Add this to the paper and mix until smooth. It is more convenient to use a mixer.We form a flat cake from the resulting raw materials.Inflate the balloon or fill it with water. Now we cover at least half of it with our cake. Leave the tail of the ball free of mass. Of course, the ball must be lubricated so that the mass does not stick tightly to it. Use cream or Vaseline.We place our workpiece on cling film and wrap it tightly. Now you need to twist the ends of the film. We make the shape more spherical.Leave the workpiece until completely dry.We blow off the balloon, paint it as desired and create beautiful compositions with small vases. The following craft combines two types of arts and crafts – papier-mâché and decoupage techniques. Papier-mâché plateThis craft will be an excellent decorative element for the kitchen or dining room. Just choose colors and pictures that match the decor of the room. You will need:
- Glass plate base;
- Toilet paper 1 roll;
- Glue PVA and wallpaper (already liquid);
- A piece of gauze;
- Vaseline or something greasy (to lubricate the base);
- Putty;
- White gouache;
- Watercolor paints;
- Napkin with a pattern (for your taste);
- Gel contour of gold color (or any other elements of decor);
- Clear nail polish.
Advice!If you need putty for your work, it will be cheaper to buy it at a hardware store rather than at a craft store. Tear the toilet paper into pieces and soak in warm water. Need a couple of hours. The resulting mass must be thoroughly mixed and strained to remove excess liquid. You can use gauze. Add both glues and stir again. For convenience, you can take a mixer. The mass should be very elastic. Roll a ball to test. If the shape holds, then the mass is ready. You can add 1-2 spoons of putty. Grease the base plate with something greasy on the outside. Hand cream, Vaseline or vegetable oil will do. Cover the plate with our mixture and leave until completely dry. Please be patient, as this will take quite a lot of time – up to several days.If there are uneven edges after dryingcut it off. We putty our workpiece and leave it again until completely dry. We cover it with white gouache, thanks to this the watercolor paints will adhere better. Glue the selected picture from the napkin.When everything is dry again, mix paints with gouache and paint our plate. In this master class, a gold border is applied along the contour of the plate.Cover with varnish (use automotive aerosol). The plate is ready. Photo frame made using papier-mâché techniqueVery often you can find crafts made from old car tires or plastic bottles. Garbage was also used for this beautiful frame – cardboard egg trays. You will need:
- Egg trays (4 - 5 pieces depending on how large the frame you want);
- PVA glue;
- Foil or food film;
- Board basis (you can take a conventional cutting board);
- Mixer;
- Deep tank;
- Gauze;
- Knife;
- Cutter for internal circuits;
- Laces (for creating invoices);
- Gouache.
We take our trays and tear them into small onespieces. Place in a deep bowl and pour boiling water over it. The water should completely cover the paper pieces. Let it swell until the next day. Of course, the time is approximate, since the amount of paper you have may vary. Just try it after a couple of hours; if the pieces fall apart under your fingers, then the mass is ready. Drain half of the liquid. Then take a mixer and mix everything until smooth. The more we spend on mixing, the better the texture will be. If you want a rough structure of the product, beat with a mixer for a short time. While beating, add a few tablespoons of PVA glue. We need to get rid of excess fluid again. To do this, place the mass in cheesecloth and place it under a press in a colander. Cheese or cottage cheese is made using a similar method. To find out if the mass is ready, you need to form a small piece. You can pinch it with your fingers or roll it into a bun. If it holds its shape, then stop squeezing out the moisture and you can create a frame. Take our base and cover it with foil or cling film. This is necessary so that the mass does not dry tightly to the board. Roll out in a layer of about 1 cm. The main thing is that the layer is equal over the entire surface. Let's start creating the frame. In the center you need to make a recess for the photo. Choose any mold you like. For example, a box of cotton swabs. Now we place it in the center of the workpiece and gently press it 2 – 3 mm. Without removing the mold, we trim the edges of the frame; you can use a ruler and a sharp knife. Now we need to make our frame textured. To do this, take the lace, roll it up and squeeze out the spirals on the frame. The depth is about a couple of millimeters. You can draw strokes with a toothpick or a needle. Now let the frame dry for a while. As usual, this takes from several hours to several days. When the craft is completely dry, paint it. In order to emphasize the texture, it is better to use gouache for painting. When the paint is completely dry, all that remains is to glue the photo in the center, you can use double-sided tape. On the reverse side you can glue a foot mount. You can make hundreds of different vases, boxes, plates and other room decor elements from papier-mâché. But not only rooms can be decorated with crafts made from this raw material. In the next master class we will offer to make a mask in the spirit of the Venetian carnival. Thanks to the sufficient plasticity and harmlessness of the mass, it will be easy to create a mask just for yourself, according to your own standards. Papier-mâché mask in Venetian styleYou will need:
- Toilet paper and newspaper;
- Greasy glue or petroleum jelly;
- PVA glue;
- Acrylic paints;
- Elements for decoration (laces, feathers, rhinestones, beads, beads, etc.).
We cut or tear newspaper and toilet paper into strips.Now the most important thing.Your face will serve as the basis for your future mask. It must be lubricated with greasy cream or Vaseline. In order for the mask to turn out well, it is very necessary not to express emotions on your face – do not move your eyebrows, do not smile. Keep calm. We begin to glue a layer of newspaper pieces coated with glue. If necessary, they can be moistened with water so that they fit as tightly as possible to the face. Alternate a layer of newspaper and a layer of toilet paper. Thanks to this, you will see if you miss a piece somewhere. You need about 5 – 6 layers. Try to immediately lay out the shape you want to get the mask. When you're done with the layers, take a hairdryer and dry it directly on your face. As soon as the mask dries, remove and dry naturally. Carefully trim the edges with scissors. The workpiece must be placed with the convex side up. Don't forget to make holes for an elastic band or other fastening. When the mask is completely dry, cover it with acrylic paint on both sides. You can decorate the mask with any details of your choice: feathers, lace, beaded bottoms, rhinestones or beads.