Back to: Jss1 Cultural and Creative Art (C.C.A)

Paper Mache Preparation And Modeling

Paper mache is a kind of paper craft in which wet pulped paper is combined with starch paste or gum to cast and sculpt items. The art of paper mache has its roots in Paris, France, where it was first used in the production of hats and masks for the purpose of participating in various festivals.

There are two primary approaches that may be used while making paper mache and preparing it for use. 

The first step is to use adhesive to bind the individual paper strips together. The alternative process involves adding glue to the paper that has been soaked or boiled in water, which results in the production of paper pulp. In the first approach, there is a need for the use of an item or an object that will serve as a support and onto which the paper strips will be bonded. 

The second step enables the pulp to be shaped immediately into the appropriate form, making it feasible to save time. In any of the two approaches, it is possible that reinforcement in the form of wire, chicken wire, balloons, lightweight forms, or cloth will be required.

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In order to mould using the soaking of paper technique, one has to have a mould or an actual sample of the thing that they plan to mould. For example, in order to mould a cup, one must first get one, and the reverse side of the cup will be of help in the process. It seems like the paper was submerged in water for a number of days. 

After the paper has decomposed into pulp, the water must be separated from the pulp using a sieve. After that step is complete, either prepared starch or an adhesive will be applied to the pulp in order to give it a plastic quality. 

After that, groundnut oil will be applied to the rear surface of the mould in order to cover the whole of the region that will be moulded. (An application of groundnut oil will be made so that the moulded object may be easily detached from the original one after it has dried.) 

After the object has been oiled, the pulp paper will be applied in such a way that it adheres tightly to each other and spreads evenly across the entire surface of the item. After that, it is going to be exposed to sunlight. Mould may be eliminated from the object after the pulp paper has had a chance to dry up and harden on it.

Materials And Tools For Papier Mache

1. Old newspaper

2. Paint

3. Starch paste

4. Cassava paste

5. Engine oil that is no longer useful.

6. Mortar and pestle

7. Grinding stone

8. Water etc.

Procedures For Paper Mache

1. Collect some old magazines and paper.

2. Tear the papers up into little pieces.

3. Soak the pieces of paper in the water for the whole night in the bucket.

4. Using a pestle, crush the paper scraps that have been soaked in water in a mortar until the paper becomes pulp.

5. Remove any extra moisture from the mashed paper or paper pulp by packing it in the mortar and then squeezing it.

6. Make the starch into a substance that is somewhat thick, then combine the mashed paper with the starch paste or liquid glue, and pound it once more.

7. Using the mashed paper or paper pulp, shape the desired item into the desired shape.

8. To make the job more aesthetically pleasing, apply different colours to it.

Uses Of Paper Mache

1. A primary function of work is to be used as a teaching tool in educational settings.
2. It’s possible to employ artwork as wall décor in our homes.
3. People may participate in cultural celebrations while wearing masks made of paper mache.

Clay Modelling

The term clay modelling refers to a collection of pliable substances that may be used for sculpting and constructing. Clay is an earthy substance that has five grains and becomes pliable when it is wet yet brittle when it is heated. Bricks, tiles, and pottery are just some of the many things that may be made using this material. Its primary composition is hydrated aluminium silicates.

When modelling with clay, the item that is going to be fashioned out of the clay should be the first thing that comes to mind. The clay that will be used should be soft and pliable, without any “foreign” things like rocks or shards of glass or plastic, and without any large particles of dirt. Before any moulding can take place, it is essential that the clay demonstrate complete plasticity.

Clay Modelling Methods

• Coiling Method

• Slab Method

• Pinching Method