Omar Khalid
Paper mache is a fun and easy craft that can be used to create a variety of sculptures, including bowls. It is a great way to upcycle old newspapers, scrap paper, or even tissue paper. In this guide, we will go through the steps to make a paper mache bowl using a plastic bowl as a mould. First, we will need to prepare the paper mache mixture and gather the necessary materials. Then, we will cover the plastic bowl with plastic wrap and start building up the layers of paper mache. Finally, we will remove the mould and decorate our paper mache bowl!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Paper, water, flour, plastic wrap, paint, varnish, glue, bowl |
| Paper type | Newspaper, scrap paper, tissue paper |
| Paper preparation | Tear paper into thin strips, or make paper pulp by soaking shredded paper in water |
| Paste | Flour and water paste, wallpaper paste, Mod Podge, PVA glue, or ready-made paper mache mix |
| Mould preparation | Cover mould with plastic wrap, aluminium foil, or petroleum jelly |
| Building the bowl | Dip paper strips in paste, apply to mould, smooth out, repeat for multiple layers |
| Drying | Leave to dry for several hours or overnight, depending on the thickness and humidity |
| Removing from mould | Use a spatula or butter knife to gently separate the bowl from the mould |
| Decoration | Paint, napkins, wrapping paper, collage, découpage |
| Varnish | Optional, for protection from dust and spills, but not food-safe |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the mould
To prepare the mould for paper mâché, you will first need to select a suitable bowl. This can be any oven-safe bowl, in the size and shape of your choosing. The bowl will remain undamaged, but it must be oven-safe. Cover your bowl in plastic wrap, such as Saran wrap, which will help you to remove the mould later.
If you are using a plastic bowl, you may wish to cover the bowl in petroleum jelly, or Vaseline, to help with the removal of the mould. However, some find that this can cause the paper to slip around too much.
For those using a flour and water mixture, it is important to use all of the mixture, as it will harden if you try to save it for later. You can also use Mod Podge, which is a mixture of PVA glue and water, or a ready-made wallpaper paste.
Once you have your mould prepared and paste selected, you can begin to tear up thin strips of paper. The thinner the strips, the better. Aim for strips that are about 2-4 inches long and 0.5-2.3cm wide.
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Making the paper mâché
Paper mache is a fun and easy craft that can be used to create a variety of sculptures, including bowls. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a paper mache bowl using a plastic bowl as a mould:
Preparing the Paper Strips and Mould:
Start by tearing or cutting thin strips of paper. The paper can be recycled paper waste, newspaper, scrap paper, tissue paper, or even wallpaper. Aim for strips that are about 2-3 cm wide, following the grain of the paper if possible. The thinner the strips, the better.
Next, select an appropriate mould. A plastic bowl without a ridge around the bottom works well. You can also use a balloon instead of a bowl. Cover your mould with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will make it easier to remove the paper mache bowl later. If using plastic wrap, cover the mould tightly and completely. Secure it with tape if needed. You can also use petroleum jelly or vaseline as a release agent, but this may cause slipping.
Now, you'll make the paper mâché paste. You can use a ready-made paste or make your own. Here are two simple recipes for homemade paper mâché paste:
Recipe 1: Flour and Water Paste
- Mix 1/2 cup of plain flour with 1 cup of water until smooth.
- Create a thin paste with the consistency of double cream.
Recipe 2: White Glue and Water Paste
Mix 1/4 cup of white glue (PVA glue) with 1 tablespoon of cold water and 1 teaspoon of vinegar.
You can also add 1/4 cup of plaster or plaster of Paris to the glue mixture for a different recipe. Experiment with different recipes to find your preferred method.
Applying the Paper Strips to the Mould:
Dip a paper strip into the paste, wiping off any excess. Ensure the strip is coated but not dripping. Place the strip onto the mould and smooth it out. Repeat this process, overlapping the strips until the entire mould is covered in a single layer.
Drying and Adding Additional Layers:
Allow the first layer to dry for about an hour or two. Prepare a second layer and let the project dry overnight to harden the base. Keep it in a warm, dry spot. The drying time will depend on the humidity in your environment.
On the following day, add a few more layers to strengthen and thicken the bowl. Leave each layer to dry before adding the next. Continue until the mould is covered to a depth of about 1-2 cm. This may take several days, but it is crucial to ensure the bowl retains its shape and strength.
Removing the Mould and Decorating:
Once the paper mache is completely dry, carefully remove it from the mould. Use a spatula or butter knife to gently separate the paper mache from the mould. Trim any jagged edges with scissors to give the bowl a clean finish.
Now, your bowl is ready for decoration. You can paint it with natural paints, acrylics, or watercolours. You can also apply patterned or coloured napkins, tissue paper, or wallpaper. If desired, apply a coat of emulsion, varnish, or Mod Podge to protect the paint and prevent chipping.
Your paper mâché bowl is now complete! Enjoy your unique and functional work of art.
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Applying the paper mâché
To apply the paper mâché, you will first need to tear up thin strips of paper. The thinner the strips, the better. Aim for strips that are about 2-3cm wide. You can use recycled paper for this, such as old newspapers, scrap paper, or even tissue paper.
Next, select a suitable mould for your bowl. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a typical bowl shape. Cover the mould in plastic wrap or petroleum jelly to ensure that your project doesn't stick to the mould. If you are using plastic wrap, tape it in place if necessary.
Now you are ready to start applying the paper mâché strips to your mould. Dip a strip of paper into your paste, ensuring that it is covered in paste but not dripping. Place the strip onto the mould and smooth it out. Repeat this process with each strip until the bowl is entirely covered with a single layer. Leave the first layer to dry for an hour or two.
Once the first layer is dry, prepare a second layer and leave the double-layered project overnight to dry. Keep it in a warm, dry spot. The following day, add another few layers to strengthen and thicken your bowl. Leave it to dry again. Repeat this process until the mould is covered with paper to a depth of about 1-2cm. This may take several days, but it is important to ensure that your bowl retains its shape and strength and does not get mildew from poor drying.
Once the final layer is completely dry, carefully remove your paper mâché bowl from the mould. You may need to use a spatula or a butter knife to help separate the two. Trim any jagged edges with scissors to give your bowl a clean edge.
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Drying the bowl
Drying your paper mache bowl is a crucial step in the process of creating a sturdy and long-lasting final product. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the drying process:
Initial Drying:
After you have applied the first layer of paper strips to your mould, let it dry for an hour or two. This initial drying period allows the base of your bowl to start hardening. It is important to keep your project in a warm and dry spot during this time.
Overnight Drying:
Once the first layer has dried, it is time to prepare and apply a second layer of paper strips. After adding the second layer, leave your project overnight to dry thoroughly. This extended drying time ensures that the base of your bowl becomes sturdy and less susceptible to damage during the removal process.
Additional Layers:
On the following day, you can start building up the thickness and strength of your bowl by adding more layers. Each layer should be left to dry before applying the next. This step may take several days, depending on the number of layers you choose to apply. Remember to keep your project in a warm and dry environment to prevent mildew and ensure proper drying.
Oven Drying:
Instead of air drying, some people prefer to use an oven to speed up the drying process. Set your oven to the "keep warm" setting, which is usually low enough to dry the paper mache without baking it. Place your bowl in the oven for 5-9 hours, depending on its size and thickness. This method is particularly useful if you live in a humid environment or if your bowl is taking a long time to air dry.
Final Drying:
After removing your bowl from the mould, it is important to let it dry completely before proceeding with decoration. You can speed up this process by placing it near a window or a fan. It is recommended to let it dry overnight or for a full 24 hours. This final drying step ensures that your bowl is ready for the next steps, such as sanding, gesso application, or painting.
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Decorating the bowl
Now that you've made your paper mache bowl, it's time to decorate it! Here are some ideas and instructions to help you get started:
Painting
Painting is a great way to add colour and design to your bowl. You can use natural paints, acrylics, or watercolours. If you're using acrylic paint, consider applying a coat of emulsion first to prevent the paint from chipping. You can also use a coat of Mod Podge over the paint for extra protection. If you want to create a smooth surface before painting, you can use a "gesso" recipe, which includes drywall joint compound, or a flour and water mixture.
Collage or Decoupage
You can decorate your bowl with a collage or decoupage technique, using wrapping paper, napkins, or tissue paper. If using napkins, look for matte or uncoated napkins, as shiny napkins are not compostable. Cut the napkins into small pieces and apply them to the inside or outside of your bowl.
Drilling or Pinning
If you want to create a starry night design, you can use a drill or a pin to poke holes in your bowl. This will allow light to shine through, creating a beautiful effect. Test this design by poking holes in a cardboard box and holding it over a lamp to see if the light shines through.
Varnishing
To protect your bowl from dust and spills, you can apply a varnish. This will also waterproof your bowl. However, keep in mind that even with a varnish, your bowl may not be compostable.
Displaying
Once you've decorated your bowl, you can use it as a decorative piece in your home. Consider styling it on a shelf or using it as a catchall for keys or other small items. You can also use it as a unique talking piece on your coffee table.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need paper, a bowl to use as a mould, and paste. For the paper, you can use recycled paper, newspaper, scrap paper, or tissue paper. For the paste, you can either make your own using flour and water or use a ready-made paste such as wallpaper paste.
First, tear the paper into thin strips. Cover the mould in plastic wrap or petroleum jelly. Dip the paper strips into the paste, wipe off the excess, and place them onto the mould. Repeat this process until the bowl is entirely covered with a single layer. Leave the first layer to dry for an hour or two, then add a second layer and leave it overnight to dry. Add more layers the following day to strengthen and thicken the bowl.
Once the paper mache bowl is dry, remove it from the mould. You can use scissors to trim any jagged edges and give the bowl a clean edge. You can then decorate the bowl using paint, napkins, or other materials. Finally, apply a coat of varnish to protect the bowl from dust and spills.
