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Papier mâché is another beautiful paper craft. You can make beautiful plates, bowls or containers for gifts or decoration with a little creativity, some old newspapers and a dash of patience.

You Will Need

• A mould – a bowl, container or plate of your choice
• Cling wrap
• Vaseline
• Wallpaper paste
• Newspaper
• Scissors
• Glue brush
• Craft knife
• Paint and brushes (poster or acrylic)
• White emulsion
• Clear Varnish Spray

What To Do

1. Choose your mould and give it a coat of vaseline then line it with cling wrap. Fold the wrap over the rim of your container or bowl, it will be easier to lift out your mould when ready. Make up your wallpaper paste and prepare your newspaper by tearing it into small squares.
2. Cover the plastic film with paste and then apply a layer of pasted newspaper. Make sure you overlap the edges of each piece of newspaper as you paste. Paste five layers of paper and then leave to dry overnight in a warm location. Repeat each day until you have the thickness you want. Make your last layer as smooth as possible.
3. Your papier  mâché will need to dry for several days in a warm place before you remove it from the mould. It has to be completely dry or it will not hold its shape. Carefully use the cling wrap to lift your new bowl or container out of the mould then remove the wrap.
4. You may need to use some scissors or the craft knife to trim or tidy the edge so that it is even. Be careful here it is easy to take off to much. When you are happy with the edge paste one layer of pasted newspaper pieces over it so it is really smooth. Allow to dry throughly for a day or longer if necessary.
5. Paint two coats of white emulsion on both sides of your new bowl or plate, this creates a smooth surface and also hides the newsprint. Paint your background colour, give it at least one coat and allow it to thoroughly dry before creating your design.
6. Plan, draw and then paint your design onto your bowl or plate. if you don’t feel confident with this part of the process use a cutout design from gift wrap or a magazine.  Coat the design in wall paper paste and stick in place. Leave to dry.
7. When everything has dried thoroughly spray with clear varnish, to protect it, giving it two coats for a glossy finish. You should now be very happy with your completed papier mâché creation.

Well Done