DIY: chewed paper

Papier-mâché (aka paper mache, translation from French for 'chewed paper') is something many school children do in art class.  You apply a layer of soggy wet paper to some form, maybe a balloon. Then when it was dry you paint it with the ever-present tempera paints, getting results often less than spectacular.  Here's a delightful example of the process from Mrs.Euken's Art Mooseum.

***

3rd Grade paper mache, Mrs Eukens Art Mooseum

***

Paper mache can be an art form or a craft.  The works of two fine artists are shown below.

***

Sergio Bustamante, "ZebraTrophy," Papiermache.co.uk

***

Chen Qiu-lin show at Max Protetch Gallery, InitiArt Magazine

***

Here are some works that border on art, showing popular subjects but done with fine technique:

***

Erinle, "TheBlueMask," Etsy

***

Carolyn, "Confetti Bowl," Carolyn's Homework

***

Cory Triplett, "Obi," Ultimate Paper Mache

***

Sites that feature paper mache projects and techniques are plentiful. Ultimate Paper Mache features artists discussing their projects and giving instructions.  There are also tutorials and projects by type. Be sure to check out the recipes for home-made paper mache paste. Another site to check out is the Papier Mache Resource. For inspiration, try "DIY: 10 Stunning Paper Mache Projects," at Babble.com.

Some of these projects talk about paper clay and plaster gauze; both look interesting to work with, so expect future posts that discuss them. 

-- Marge