Paper Mache Box Decorating Ideas

Paper mache crafts are one of my favourite ways to make affordable decorations for my home.

One of the best things about paper mache projects is that there is no need to make a special trip to the craft store as you will most likely have what you need at home.

For most projects that is just an old newspaper and some white glue. In fact, you don't even need glue, as you can use a flour and water mixture instead.

I bet your first paper mache craft was in school, mine certainly was. It was probably making a volcano in science or masks in drama.

This craft is so versatile it's not just for kids, but as you can see from this list of ideas, it can also be a cool craft for adults.

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Adult Paper Mache Tips & Techniques

1.What art The Different Types of Paper Mache?

There are two mains types of paper mache.

The first is pulp paper mache which involves making the paper into a kind of paper clay. This usually involves breaking down the paper fibers into small pieces using lots of hot water, a blender, and glue. Finer paper clay can be made with toilet paper.
The second just involves tearing or cutting the paper into strips and layering it, usually over a mold or armature, using a glue mixture.

The pulp method is popular when making sculptures and intricate paper mache creations such as with model making. The paper layering method is great for lighter hollow paper mache creations and is less messy.

You can actually buy an instant paper mache mix which takes all the hard work out of making your own paper mache pulp from scrap.

Most of the adult paper mache crafts listed below use the second layer paper mache technique.

2. What Glue To Use?

Some people just use a flour and water mixture as paper mache glue. Whereas this has the advantage of being very cheap and readily available, there are some downsides to using this mixture. These are that flour paste is white when dry and not clear. Plus flour is an organic material and can rot and go moldy over time.

The best glue to use for paper mache is white-based glue, such as PVA glue, wood glue, or school glue. A thin glue also works well as it helps wet the paper and makes it easier to shape and mold. For my paper mache crafts for the home, I use a 50/50 mixture of white glue and water.

3. What Paper To Use?

For most paper mache crafts I use newspaper. Newspapers are free and readily available material. The paper is thin and absorbs water easily, which makes it very well suited for paper mache.

For very fine delicate paper mache projects, tissue paper is a great paper to use. But the downside is that because it is so thin, you will need to use more layers than with newspaper. And if you used coloured tissue paper there is no need to paint your creation afterward.

Tissue paper can be used for the final layer to create a smoother top coat ready for finishing.

Decorative papers such as gift wrap, printed napkins, and crepe paper can also be used to add that final finish to adult paper mache crafts.

Toilet paper is good alternative to newspaper when making pulp paper mache clay.

(Some fabrics can be used to make models in a similar way to paper mache, such as this denim fruit bowl)

4. Molds And Armatures

Many household objects can be used as molds for adult paper mache crafts. These include things like bowls, plates, and cups. What mold you use is determined by the final shape you want. Balloons are very handy for making rounded paper mache shapes.

With these molds, a lubricant will be needed. This is to make sure the mold can be easily removed. Vaseline is a popular lubricant to use. Cling film (plastic wrap) can also be used, but this sometimes leaves creases in the paper mache.

Often if you just use water instead of glue with the first paper layer this is enough for it to come away easily from the mold.

The mold can become part of the final paper mache craft. These are known as armatures. They can be made with wire mesh, cardboard, duct tape, plastic bottles, or screwed-up paper/plastic bag bowls.

These armatures add shape and bulk to the projects. The paper mache is pasted over the top of the armature structures.

5. Finishing Off Paper Mache Crafts

A light sanding can be applied to the dried paper mache craft, to smooth any rough edges before painting.

Another top tip for smoothing the paper mache is to apply a layer of Polyfilla. It's the stuff you buy in DIY stores to smooth cracks on walls before painting.

A base coat of white emulsion paint or Gesso is good to use before painting with acrylic colored paint. Or your final coat may be decoupage with paper napkins or other decorative papers.

When all the paint is dry apply at least two top coats of a suitable varnish to protect your paper mache creation.

The Paper Mache Home Decor Crafts

The following is a fun collection of adult paper mache crafts to decorate your home. All are easy and affordable crafts suitable for all and hopefully, you will find a project to inspire you.

A Denim Hanging Mason Jar Vase

The shape of this hanging vase is achieved by paper mache using a Mason jar as a mold. The paper mache jar is then decoupaged in denim scraps for a rustic farmhouse look.

Easy DIY Giant Paper Mache Cactus

This is a fun summer decoration for any home or garden. My son actually has one of these cacti in his room and uses it as a hat and coat stand.

A wire mesh was used for the armature. The Marimekko napkins make these cacti even more unique.

How To Make Decoupage Paper Mache Teacups

These paper mache cups make for a lovely decoration and are handy trinket dishes too. The paper napkin decoupage makes them look like vintage teacups. Or you could paint your own flowers on the teacup.

DIY Faux Marble Paper Mache Chain Decor

Photo Credit: www.ctrlcurate.com

I love the marble paint effect on this giant chain. The chain also looks very realistic and a lot heavier than it actually is.

Anthropologie Paper Mache Rabbit Head

This is another fun paper mache craft, making a giant rabbit head for the wall. They are very similar to the ones sold in Anthropologie.

The techniques used for this paper mache tutorial can be translated to make other types of animal heads. An ethical and eco-friendly form of taxidermy.

DIY Paper Mache storage bins

Photo Credit: www.smilingcolors.com

A fun free way to make free extra storage for your craft room with these paper mache storage boxes.

How To Make A Paper Mache Egg Decoration

A cute paper mache decoration for the spring mantle. A balloon was used as a mold to get the egg shape. And the tutorial includes free printable spring clip art.

How To Make 3D Faux Metal Letters

Photo Credit: grillo-designs.com

Once you have learnt how to make these faux metal paper mache letters you can transform the principle to make other letters of the alphabet. They make a great wall decoration, I'm thinking of a name on the wall in a kids bedroom.

Papier Mache Anatomical Hearts

Photo Credit: www.markmontano.com

For those of you who like quirky decorations. A great mantle decoration for Halloween.

Giant Hot Air Balloon

Photo Credit: www.katescreativespace.com

I now know what my next paper mache project is going to be! I just love this hot air balloon. It's a very cute and whimsical decoration.

Pressed flower lanterns

Photo Credit: chalkingupsuccess.com

I love the flower decorations on these gorgeous hanging lanterns. A very easy-to-follow tutorial too.

How to make a Taylors dummy

Photo Credit: www.songbirdblog.com

How to make a decorative Taylors dummy. This body shape is made from molding a real body using duct tape and cardboard than paper mache.

If you enjoyed these paper mache crafts and tips then check out some of my other craft technique tutorials, such as sewing on paper, crafting with wallpaper samples, and my A to Z of upcycling.