Paper Mache Expectations:

• Watch the paper mache tutorial video

• Build your armature

  • What is an Armature? You will have to make one if you plan on sculpting with paper mache. Watch the video to find out.

  • use cardboard, wire, cardboard boxes and recycled forms, scrunched up newspaper, and wrap with masking tape

  • What you see is what you get, so DO NOT think you will change the form of your armature with the paper mache, much. The paper mache will just create a thin shell over your armature

  • it should pass the shake test (pieces should not fall of when shaken)

  • be solid enough to withstand three layers of wet paper

Set up work area:

• • write your name and class color on your aluminum foil

  • place newspaper over your aluminum foil

  • make enough strips of paper

  • create or stir up the paper mache paste

    • 1 Cup flour, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup white glue whisk until it is smooth, refrigerate in between uses

  • DO NOT dip your paper into the paste, rather dip your hand into the paste and cover the newspaper, otherwise you will have way too much paste

  • Good craftsmanship for paper mache is a smooth even layer where we do not see the edges of the newspaper strips sticking up. So, press down all edges, remember what you see when wet is what you will see when it dries.

  • It is best to cover one entire area completely with a single layer or two, and then after it dries add your final layer, three layers total is your goal.

Paper Mache work area clean up

• • cover the paste bowl

  • recycle your newpaper that was under your work area

  • check to be sure your name and class color are on your aluminum foil in sharpie

  • find a safe place (using the step stool) above the classroom cabinets to store your work. Ask me for help with this if need be.