Paper mache is a classic craft technique that has entertained and educated children of all ages for generations. Not only is it a fun way to develop creativity, but it also encourages concentration and improves fine motor skills. That's why we'll not only tell you how to create paper mache in different ways, but we'll also give you some craft ideas.

What is paper mache?

Paper mache is a versatile material created from recycled paper, such as newspapers or toilet paper, mixed with a solution of water and glue. This material can be used to cover moulds and structures to shape different inventions. It is very popular in activities with children, as it is not only easy to make, but also provides an opportunity to work on the imagination and manual skills of the little ones. In addition, its preparation and use encourage patience and concentration.

Types of paper mache

There are different methods for preparing paper mache, depending on the type of craft you want to make and the material you have on hand. The most common types are:

• Traditional: It is the most common, using newspaper or magazine paper, water and white glue.
• With paper pulp: The paper is liquefied with water to obtain a finer, more homogeneous paste.
• With paste: A mixture of flour, water and salt is used as an adhesive.
• With cardboard: Cardboard provides greater rigidity, ideal for large and resistant structures.

Benefits of paper mache crafts for children

Paper mache crafts are not only a fun activity for children, but they also contribute to their development in the following ways:

Stimulates creativity

The process of creating objects from scratch allows children to unleash their imagination. Through this, they design personalized figures, shapes and decorations, which fosters their ability to invent and think outside the box.

Development of motor skills

Cutting, pasting, modelling and painting are activities that help improve hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. These types of exercises are essential for strengthening fine motor skills in children.

Improves concentration and patience

Creating a paper mache figure or piece requires several steps, waiting for it to dry and working on details. While all this is going on, children develop patience and learn about the importance of completing tasks step by step.

Strengthens self-esteem

Seeing the end result of their work and receiving praise for it gives children a huge boost in their self-esteem. They feel proud of their creations and develop confidence in their own abilities.

What materials do you need to make paper mache crafts?

Making crafts with paper mache is simple and inexpensive, since the necessary materials are usually easily available at home or in any craft store. The most commonly used materials are:

• Recycled paper: The most common paper for paper mache is newspaper, as it is easy to manipulate and will absorb the glue well.
• Glue or white glue: The paper mache mixture is made with white glue diluted in water.
• Water: You will need water both to dilute the glue and to create a proper mixture with the paper pulp.
• A large bowl: This will be the container where you will prepare the mixture or where you will dip the paper strips in the diluted glue.
• Brushes: Necessary for applying glue to paper strips or for spreading the mixture on crafts.
• Molds or objects to cover: Depending on the project, you can use molds or any base object, such as balloons, boxes, plates, etc.
• Scissors: To cut paper into strips or small pieces.

How to make paper mache? Step by step

There is no single way to make papier-mâché, another of its advantages, so we will give you several options.

How to make paper mache quickly and easily?

This method is perfect if you are looking for a quick and easy way to prepare traditional paper mache.

Materials

• Newspaper or recycled paper
• White glue (carpenter's glue or school glue)
• Water
• A bowl or container
• A paintbrush (optional)

Steps

• Cut the newspaper or recycled paper into strips or small pieces. The thinner the strips, the easier they will be to work with.
• In a bowl, mix one part white glue with two or three parts water. This mixture should be a little liquid, but not too much, so that the paper strips stick together easily.
• Place the paper strips into the glue and water mixture, making sure they are well soaked.
• You can cover a mold of your choice (such as a balloon, a box, or any object) with the wet paper strips, overlapping them slightly.
• Once you have applied several coats, allow to dry completely before decorating or painting.

How to make paper mache from toilet paper without a blender?

Toilet paper is an easy and affordable alternative to create a softer, more moldable version of paper mache. And the best part is that you don't need a blender to make it.

Materials

• Toilet paper
• White glue or glue
• Hot water
• A bowl or container
• A hand mixer or your hands to mix

Steps

• Tear the toilet paper into small pieces and place them in a bowl.
• Pour hot (not boiling) water over it and let it sit for a few minutes to soften.
• Use your hands or a hand mixer to break up the paper and form a smooth pulp.
• Drain the excess water from the pulp and add white glue. Knead the mixture until you obtain a homogeneous paste.
• This paper mache paste is perfect for hand-molding or applying to small moulds.

How to make paper mache without glue?

If you prefer to avoid using glue or simply don't have any on hand, you can also prepare paper mache with a mixture of flour and water. A very economical method and using ingredients you already have at home.

Materials

• Flour (preferably wheat)
• Water
• Paper (newspaper, recycled paper)
• A bowl or container
• A spoon or whisk

Steps

• In a bowl, mix one part flour with two parts water. Make sure to whisk well to avoid lumps, the mixture should have a consistency similar to liquid glue.
• Cut the paper into strips or small pieces, as in the previous methods.
• Dip the paper strips into the flour and water mixture, making sure they are well coated.
• Place the paper strips on the mold or object you want to decorate, overlapping layers.
• Allow to dry completely before painting or decorating.

10 best paper mache crafts

Now let's get to the most important part of this post, craft ideas. You already have several ways to make paper mache, now all that's left is to know what to do with it.

Animal masks

Materials: Balloon, strips of paper, glue or flour, paint, elastics

Step by step:

• Blow up a balloon the appropriate size for the child's face.
• Cover the balloon with several layers of paper strips soaked in a mixture of glue or flour and water (1:1 ratio). Make sure to cover the entire surface well.
• Let dry for at least 24 hours or until completely hard.
• Pop the balloon and cut out the shape of the mask. Make holes for the eyes and for the elastics on the sides.
• Paint the mask with the colors you want and add details such as ears, whiskers or spots depending on the chosen animal.
• Tie an elastic band through the side holes to hold it in place.

Treasure chest

Materials: Cardboard box, paper strips, glue or flour, gold or brown paint

Step by step:

• Reinforce the cardboard box by covering it with strips of paper mache, making sure it is well covered with at least 2-3 layers.
• Let it dry completely (approximately 24 hours).
• Paint the box brown to give it an aged look, and use gold accents to highlight the edges.
• Add stickers, ribbons or gems to decorate it like an authentic pirate chest.
• Let it dry completely and that's it!

Animal piñata

Materials: Balloon, strips of paper, glue or flour, paint, candy, string

Step by step:

• Inflate a balloon to the desired size for the piñata.
• Cover the balloon with several layers of paper mache strips, leaving a small hole at the top. Let it dry.
• Pop the balloon and make an opening at the top to fill the piñata with candy.
• Decorate the piñata by painting it with the colors and details of the animal of your choice. You can also use strips of crepe or tissue paper to give it texture.
• Add a string to the top to hang it, and get ready to rip it!

Fruits and vegetables

Materials: Newspaper, strips of paper, glue or flour, paint

Step by step:

• Form the base of the fruit or vegetables with balls or crumpled shapes of newspaper (for example, a sphere for an apple or an elongated shape for a cucumber).
• Cover the shapes with strips of paper mache, applying several layers until solid.
• Let it dry completely.
• Paint the fruits and vegetables with the corresponding colors and add details such as stems or spots.
• Let it dry and use the creations to play or decorate.

Picture frame

Materials: Cardboard, strips of paper, glue or flour, paint

Step by step:

• Cut the cardboard into a rectangle or square shape, leaving a space in the center for the photo.
• Reinforce the frame by covering it with strips of paper mache. Apply several layers.
• Let it dry completely.
• Paint and decorate the picture frame with your favorite colors and additional details.
• Cut the backing off and attach the photo. Add a stand if necessary.

Mirror frames

Materials: Cardboard, strips of paper, glue or flour, paint, mirrors

Step by step:

• Cut out a cardboard frame in the shape you prefer.
• Cover the frame with strips of paper mache to give it texture and strength.
• Let it dry completely.
• Paint and decorate the frame to your liking.
• Glue small mirrors onto the frame or use foil to give it a shiny effect.
• Place a central mirror and hang it wherever you prefer.

Farm animals

Materials: Newspaper, strips of paper, glue or flour, paint

Step by step:

• Model farm animals (such as a cow, horse, or pig) using crumpled newspaper balls to form the body and head.
• Cover the figures with paper mache, making sure that details such as legs or tails are securely attached.
• Let it dry completely.
• Paint the animals with the corresponding colors and add details such as spots or stripes.
• If you have different fabrics or materials, you can glue them together to give it more sensory input.

Animal piggy banks

Materials: Balloon, strips of paper, glue or flour, paint

Step by step:

• Again, blow up a balloon the size you want for the piggy bank.
• Cover the balloon with paper mache, leaving a small free part at the top to make the coin slot.
• Let it dry completely.
• Pop the balloon and cut a slit in the top.
• Paint and decorate the piggy bank like the animal of your choice (a pig, for example).

Paper mache flowers

Materials: Toilet paper, glue or flour, paint, wire

Step by step:

• Shape the petals and leaves of the flowers using toilet paper moistened with a mixture of glue and water.
• Assemble the pieces on a wire stem and let dry.
• Paint the petals and leaves with vibrant colors.
• Let it dry and repeat as many times as necessary.

Christmas decorations

Materials: Small balloon, strips of paper, glue or flour, paint, string

Step by step:

• Inflate small balloons the size of Christmas balls.
• Cover the balloons with paper mache and let dry completely.
• Pop the balloons and paint the spheres with Christmas colors.
• Add details like glitter or stars.
• Attach a string to hang them on the Christmas tree.

Tips for working with paper mache crafts

Before finishing this post we want to leave you with some recommendations to keep in mind:

• Prepare your workspace: Before you begin, cover your work surface with newspaper or plastic to avoid making a mess. Working with paper mache can be messy, especially for little ones.
• Thin coats and proper drying: It is important to apply several thin layers of paper mache to obtain a strong structure. Don't rush it: allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next to avoid warping or mould.
• Involve children at every stage: To keep children interested throughout the process, involve them in all stages: from preparing the mixture to painting and final decoration.
• Use safe, non-toxic paints: Make sure to use safe, non-toxic paints to avoid risks and ensure they can safely enjoy themselves.
• Patience and creativity without limits: Remember that working with paper mache is an activity that requires patience, but it is also an opportunity to foster creativity without restrictions. Don't be afraid to experiment with new shapes, textures and combinations.

When we create activities designed for and by our little ones, we not only give them incredible moments, but we also nurture their development. Kiddus we create watches and sunglasses so that little ones can explore and learn as much as they can, without sacrificing style or functionality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, paper mache is a fantastic craft for children to develop their creativity and motor skills in a fun and educational way. From making masks to creating decorative figures, the possibilities are endless. Time to get creative!