Paper Mache help

[irlandab]

Hi,

DD and I want to make some paper mache animals, but I am somewhat useless at crafty things and am at a bit of a loss as to how to proceed.

I think I'll use newspapers for the pulp, but am having a bit of doubts as to what to use for glue. Some websites suggest liquid starch, others wallpaper paste and others regular white glue with a bit of water. I'm inclined to go for the regular glue just because it seems easier... is that the best option? Will the items we make actually glue and stay?

Any tips much appreciated!

Wall paper paste is good but it generally had a mould inhibitor which isn't too good for younger children (licking fingers etc)

Flour & water is quite good but it doesn't always last so long

regular glue is fine but expensive

Are you going to use a base to build on (like a plastic bottle or balloon?)

Should I be using a base? (I feel so incompetent at this!!!)

What size animals
What for

For DD's school project, we're responsible for the animals. They should be about 10cm high.

Thanks so much Katymac for the patience and help!

Pipe cleaners for legs/tails etc (maybe even ears?)

The middle would need to be thicker - either folded over pipe-cleaners or plastercine/play-dough (although that might be too heavy)

They will need varnishing or they may crumble/crush

That's a good idea, especially for legs.

And I just bought the varnish today, so am glad to see I have at least that under control

If you need round animals think ping pong balls

Good luck

You can also use tin foil as a base for things like the body and head.

Newspaper is best for the framework, as it needs to be light. Scrunch it up into a ball (or oblong etc) and use masking tape to secure it. You can roll cylinder shapes for legs, fastening them in the same way with masking tape. pipecleaners prob not strong enough. then dip strips of newspaper in your paste and smooth them over the framework. I teach Art in secondary school and we do this all the time - we use a cellulose paste that is like wallpaper paste but without the fungicide in it. You can probably get it in a craft shop. Hope that helps!

Wow, thanks for all the tips. You lot are fantastic!

I made a rather large giraffe a while back. I did blog it at various stage of progress if it helps.

I am sorry I cannot do a direct link, I am on my hols atm and only have a really slooow connection. But you can find the giraffe on my blog by clicking on the giraffe label on toward the bottom right hand column.

dillydallydingle.blogspot.com/search/label/Giraffe

Links are just taking forever to load!

Pva glue is good you can water it down for the thin layers and use it as a glaze at the end. You can mix it with poster colours too