Paper Mâché Art - Instructions

The instructions for doing paper mache are rather simple, just keep in mind that it does require a lot of time to complete the project!

After choosing or making your base and paper mache paste, tear newspaper into 1 to 2 inches wide strips with the length of your choice (torn up paper is easier to blend in then cut strips). Dip the strips in the paste until they are saturated and run them through your fingers, taking off the excess of the paste.

Put the strips over the base, or the previous dry layer, and smooth it. Cover your project entirely; you can lay them any direction you want, as long as they over lap each other. Allow each layer to dry thoroughly and repeat the process.

You will need at least three layers of paper mache for it to be sturdy enough to be decorated the way you want, but then you can cut, sand, paint and even waterproof it by using a water resistant paint.

A tip I found:
don't dry your project in an oven to speed up the process; it will warp your creation and cause other unrepairable damage. Just leave your work up in the air!