Prepare the Work Area
Step1
Decide on an area of the house to do make you paper mache projects. Since it is going to be messy, the kitchen table, covered with newspaper, may be your best bet.
Step2
Create your preliminary designs. Help the children with theirs. What would they like to make--animals, shapes or a piñata?
Step3
Use the household materials you gathered to build your mold. Be creative and visualize how pots, soda cans, balloons or toilet roll cores can be used to create your object.
Step4
Use sticky tape to put together the items to make your basic shape.
Prepare the Base Material
Step1
Tear the newspaper and computer paper into one inch strips.
Step2
Tear both long and short strips.
Step3
Set aside in a pile separated by length and color.
Make the Paste
Step1
Add 1 cup of flour to 5 cups water in a saucepan.
Step2
Bring to a boil for about 3 minutes. Stir the mixture consistently to remove any lumps that may form.
Step3
Turn off heat and let cool. Pour into a large mixing bowl. You should have a smooth paste with consistency like starch.
Make Your Paper Mache Project
Step1
Dip in the newspaper strips in the paste one at a time. Make sure it is well coated but squeeze off any access paste so it does not drip.
Step2
Place the coated newspaper on your mold. Smooth out any wrinkles.
Step3
Continue the process until your mold is entirely covered.
Step4
Place up to four layers of newspaper on the mold and set it aside.
Step5
Allow it to dry completely.
Step6
Repeat the steps above until you have the desired thickness on your paper mache project. This process may take up to a couple of days.
Finish your Project
Step1
Use a sharp box cutter or scissors to carefully make a straight cut down the middle of your paper mache.
Step2
Separate slowly the two sections from the mold.
Step3
Join back the two sections (now with the mold removed) using strips of white paper and paste. Repeat until the separation lines are not evident. Allow to dry.
Step4
Paint your paper mache project with water color or acrylic paint after the surface has completely dried.
