Papier-mâché (UK: / ˌ p æ p i eɪ ˈ m æ ʃ eɪ / PAP-ee-ay MASH-ay, US: / ˌ p eɪ p ər m ə ˈ ʃ eɪ / PAY-pər mə-SHAY, French: [papje mɑʃe] - the French term "mâché" here means "crushed and ground" [1]) is a versatile craft technique with roots in ancient China, in which waste paper is shredded and mixed with water and a binder ...

This paper mache recipe is SO EASY to make, using only 2 pantry ingredients. Make super strong and durable paper mache, and create fun (and inexpensive!) decorations like paper mache bowls, paper mache pumpkins, or even a paper mache pinata!

All paper mache projects start with these basic steps: Create an armature for your sculpture, or find an object that has the shapes you want for your project. Make some paste, or mix up some paper mache clay. (I show you how to find the free recipes below). Apply the paper mache to your form. Allow the paper mache to dry all the way through.

Paper mache is heavier when you first apply it, and then becomes lighter as it dries. All your decorations, embellishments, and additions add weight and affect the balance. If you want a piece to stand independently, it needs to be both balanced and bottom-heavy, so it doesn’t easily tip over.