Crafts in the papier-mache technique (plates, animal figurines, vegetables, fruits, etc.) do not require special skills. Even a child can cope with such a task with the help of adults. Call them practical and functional, of course, difficult, but in the form of decorating the interior, they are quite suitable.
We offer a master class dedicated to making a dish in the papier-mache technique with your own hands. It's easy and quite fascinating. So, how to make a plate of papier-mâché?
We will need:
- flour;
- water;
- newspapers;
- plastic plate.
- Dilute the flour in the bowl with water to the consistency of liquid sour cream (half a cup of flour for a cup of water). A few newspapers tear to narrow (about 2-4 centimeters) strips. However, the thinner they will be, the better, but the work will increase.
- Choose a plastic plate of the same shape as the one you would like to make. Lubricate the surface with petroleum jelly or greasy cream. This is a very important point, since the paper plate is fragile. If the cream is not enough, then trying to remove it from the plastic form can end badly.
- Now you can start applying strips of newspaper to the form. Lubricate each strip with adhesive solution and gently apply on a plastic plate. Cover the whole shape, leaving no lumens between the strips.
- Wait until the first layer of paper is completely dry, and then repeat the previous step. This must be done 6-10 more times to make the plate strong. Each subsequent layer will dry longer. It is best to apply layers in the evening, and at night give them to dry out. When after a strong finger tap on the paper there will be no wet marks, the plastic mold can be removed. Align the edges of the paper dish with scissors.
- The handicraft is ready. It remains only to learn how to paint a plate made in the papier-mache technique. For this purpose, any paint is suitable: watercolor, gouache, and acrylic. The choice is yours. You can cover the plate with a layer of paint, and if there is a desire, then apply a favorite design on the product. In the end, you can cover the plate with a layer of clear lacquer.
Such crafts can be decorated with a wall or used as a stand for artificial fruits and vegetables. Take into account, the product, the manufacture of which used paints and varnishes, should not be in contact with food!
