Cheap Art

Easy Paper Mache Clay Recipe

12/10/09 – I’m editing this post and putting up a new video, because I’ve now had a few months to play with my paper mache clay recipe. The new video will give you instructions that you’ll need to make sure your toilet paper rolls contain the same amount of paper as mine. The new mixing [...]

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Paper Mache Halloween Pumpkins and a Centaur –

Yesterday I received an email from a reader that I just had to share with you. When you see the photos of Laurie Baker’s incredible paper mache centaur and Halloween pumpkins below, you’ll know why. I’m very happy that Lauri gave me permission to share her email with you. She has some tips for you, [...]

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Blue Paper Towels for Paper Mache

Yesterday we received a comment on the paper mache halloween mask page that I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss. Diane sez: An artist friend of mine introduced me to using blue “shop towels” on a roll for papier mache. They’re great because they’re thick (so the work goes quicker and is stronger) and [...]

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Paper Mache/PVC Didgeridoo

This handmade didgeridoo (didge, for short) was made with a 4′ section of 1 1/2″ ABS plastic plumbing pipe, covered with paper mache and then painted. I finished mine in one day. You buy the pipe at the hardware or plumbing store in standard 10′ lengths, so you will have enough material for two didgeridoos. [...]

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Playful Paper Mache Panda You Can Make

The paper mache panda I promised is finished, and you can make one of your own using the following photos and instructions.This is a fairly advanced project, but if you have any prior experience with paper mache you should be able to make a very nice panda of your own. Before making your panda, be [...]

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Coming Soon – Panda Tutorial. Plus, Jackrabbits now in Progress

I recently received a request for instructions showing how to make a paper mache panda. I love the idea, and I’ve already picked out the spot where I’ll be putting my bear when he’s finished. I haven’t started the panda yet, but there should be some progress in my studio this afternoon. (Note – the [...]

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Paper Mache Dress Form?

I have received two requests recently for information on how to make a dress form using paper mache. Dress forms are very expensive, but they make life much easier for someone who sews her own clothes. I came up with sort of an answer – but it’s just a guess. Is there anyone out there [...]

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Make a Paper Mache Echidna

When I saw a photo of a long-beaked echidna in a New York Times article, I knew I had found my next paper mache project. This critter is so absurd, he’s adorable! This is a fairly advanced project, and you will need to use some sharp tools to cut the wooden toothpicks and for making [...]

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Waterproofing Papier Mache?

I receive a lot of emails by folks who would like to put their paper mache sculptures outside. Can paper mache be waterproofed? I’ve always said “no,” but I never actually tried it myself. Therefore, I decided that I needed to do some experiments to see if there really is a way to weatherproof paper. [...]