| I love to make decorative paper mache bowls | | | | layers, let the paper mache bowl dry before |
| from newspaper and use tissue paper as the top | | | | adding more layers of paper to the paper mache |
| layers. I know that a lot of people turn this paper | | | | bowl. The more layers you add, the more |
| mache process into a big and involved project by | | | | substantial the bowl will be. Let the bowl dry |
| making paper mache pulp in their blenders. My | | | | completely. I let it dry for several days. Take it |
| motto is keep it simple and my results have been | | | | off the form. |
| very satisfying. | | | | When the paper mache bowl is completed, you |
| First, I choose a bowl with the form I love. I have | | | | have a couple of options: |
| a big pottery salad bowl that I'm especially fond | | | | Paint it inside and out, to complement your decor |
| of. O.K., the bowl is picked for the form. | | | | or add a few layers of tissue paper. Acrylic paint |
| Turn it upside down and 'grease' it with petroleum | | | | is available in small bottles and works very well on |
| jelly or anything (even Crisco) to keep the paper | | | | paper. Let your imagination guide you to a |
| from sticking to the bowl. It's a good idea to place | | | | masterpiece! I like to use three colors and white |
| it on a board or tray to catch drips and also to | | | | tissue, also torn into small pieces, and layered until |
| make it portable as the paper mache bowl needs | | | | the newspaper does not show through. The |
| to dry thoroughly. Tear newspaper into small | | | | different colors randomly layered, form new |
| pieces. You are going to need lots of paper pieces | | | | colors and shades. Pay attention to the rim of the |
| to complete this paper mache bowl. I have used | | | | bowl so it is neat...fold the pieces of tissue over |
| wallpaper paste to adhere the paper to the form. | | | | the rim to make a smooth edge. |
| The dry wallpaper paste is easy and cheap | | | | Hint: save all that tissue paper you receive in gift |
| because a tablespoon of paste makes alot of glue | | | | bags. Use tissue scraps to cover boxes or |
| after it is mixed with water. | | | | anything else that catches your fancy. |
| ModgePodge thinned out with water works very | | | | As a final step, spray the paper mache bowl with |
| well I have also used Elmers glue thinned with | | | | a sealer. There are many spray sealers available in |
| water. All we are doing here is bonding the wet | | | | craft stores and even Walm art. Making paper |
| paper together and smoothing it with the paint | | | | mache bowls is a great way to recycle some of |
| brush. Cover the greased form with the | | | | the some of the paper that accumulates in our |
| newspaper bits one at a time adhering them with | | | | homes. You can use paper mache bowls as the |
| the 'glue'. Use a small paint brush to apply the glue | | | | basket for a gift basket, a fruit bowl or to hold |
| or paste. | | | | potpourri.... |
| After the first layer is complete, go on to the | | | | I found this gallery of paper mache projects you |
| second layer and then the third, etc. After a few | | | | might enjoy.. |