Comments on: Paper Mache Clay

By: Kitty

Kitty — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:36:21 +0000

I LOVE this stuff !
I added a few drops of bleach to the toilet paper water and soaked it a few min.
The paper clay stayed good in the fridg for nearly a month.
My husband has cancer and we are always on the way to the hosp , clinic or Dr. office
When I finally had the opportunity to use it -it was still good !

By: Paper Mache Recipe | Marla's Art Page Blog

Paper Mache Recipe | Marla's Art Page Blog — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:55:32 +0000

[...] you want to do some serious paper mache here is a clay recipe from Ultimate Paper Mache. (they should know) This is a little more refine than the flour and water paste, though not much [...]

By: skwirl

skwirl — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:22:38 +0000

I am now in love with this clay! The first batch I made I think I didn’t squeeze enough water out of the paper because the batch I made yesterday was sooooo easy to work with!

By: Benjamin

Benjamin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:15:21 +0000

I’ve never really attempted to make anything with paper mache before and currently I’m attempting to make a power rangers helmet; I have my armature all set and ready and have been researching different recipes for the type of mache that I would like to use. I had originally anticipated doing about 4-5 layers of paper mache on the helmet and sanding in between each to give the helmet a smooth, rounded appearance. I was wondering if you would recommend using the clay instead for such a project and if you know how well it can be sanded down for a smooth surface?
Another concern is mold; I don’t know how common an occurrence it is to have mold form on a paper mache project nor what the best way to combat it is. I know that I need to ensure that the project is completely dry before each successive layer. Also adding the clove oil or bleach to the mixture can help. Are there any other tips that you could give me?
Thanks for your time and for putting up these awesome recipes

By: Jonni

Jonni — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:11:45 +0000

The tree really came out nice.

By: Sswhimsy

Sswhimsy — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:43:06 +0000

Hi Jonni! I am really enjoying your site…so much great information! I used a paper tube with wire armatures attached and wrapped with paper and masking tape, then applied your paper clay recipe to create a “wishing tree” as a centerpiece at an upcoming charity event. I have let the paper clay harden for a couple of days. I want to paint it but would like to sand it a bit first. I think keeping some of the rough texture will be more realistic, but as a large portion of the project involved applying the clay to thin branches, it’s not as smooth as I would like. I have your gesso recipe and am prepared to use that as you suggested in your responses above, but I wanted to double-check with you about the order of steps first. As I understand it, the gesso gets applied, dries, then lightly sanded/smoothed with a damp sponge, THEN I can apply colored acrylic and seal with water-based verathane? I have attached some pics so you can see what I am dealing with The tree will eventually have some leaves and little birds nesting, as well as some heart-felt wishes from the ladies at the table (this is a fundraiser for under-privileged children). Thank you in advance for your assistance and for providing such a wonderful resource for professionals as well as us novices!

By: skwirl

skwirl — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:03:15 +0000

Thanks for the suggestions and hope you decide to make that a project of yours!

I’m sure I will love the new book. We always have those coulda-shoulda-woulda’s! But somehow it all turns out just fine if anyway.

By: Jonni

Jonni — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:29:20 +0000

Hi Skwirl. I have never put together a close-up video of the details. It does sound like a good project, though. For now, you might want to do a search on YouTube for sculpting noses, eyes, etc. There’s some incredible videos out there.

The new book should be available by Monday, if all goes well. I’ll definitely announce it when it shows up on amazon.com. I got my review copy, and although I now wish I’d said a few things differently (is it every really “perfect?”) I think it looks pretty good. I can’t wait to see what you think.

By: skwirl

skwirl — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:19:02 +0000

Hi Jonni! I wasn’t sure where to post this so feel free to move it wherever you like!
I was wondering if there was a particular video that showed how you model the finer details like the eyes, mouths, noses, and small toes and such. I would like to watch you do it and see the tools, tips, tricks and techniques that you use. I am using your clay on one of my sculptures now and really like it but I wish I would have practiced on something smaller first lol!

I bought your first book and love it! Can’t wait for the mask book to come out!

Thanks!!

By: Jonni

Jonni — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:52:00 +0000

H Terry. The drying time depends on how thickly the material is applied, the temperature of the air, and the humidity. So, in other words, it’s hard to say. Thinner layers are better than thick layers, even if you end up adding another layer on top. You want your paper mache clay to be dry all the way through to prevent the eventual possibility of mold.