Papier Mache

[grandpajoe]

Yes I know this is not the correct topic as it is not gossip but i don't know where else to ask it!!
Does anyone know the correct/best way to make Pa-pier Mache.
We have to make a "Head" from the stuff for a play and we can build it on a large balloon but what do we use??
Many thanks Joe

[dot.hawkes]

flour and water i think, then paste it on in strips with PVA glue or is it PVU?

[bensmum]

Water based glue (like wallpaper paste) and strips of newspaper to build the head possibly finishing with some plain paper. When it's hard and dry just burst the balloon

[haysi06]

hi grandpajoe, we used to use wallpaper paste (heavily diluted) and newspaper. Blow up the balloon, tear strips of newspaper, dip them in the paste and then layer over the balloon until it is covered with a good few layers.

Paint it with white emulsion then you can repaint with pink for the skin and add the facial features. Good luck

[dot.hawkes]

papier mache was made with flour and water at school when i was a kid,I've googled it and the recipe is here:
http://www.papiermache.co.uk/tutorials/getting -started-with-papier-mache/

[pastafreak]

I used to make papier bowls,mirrors...etc. You don't need flour and water.......PVA glue will do the job. Make sure you leave at lest 24 hours between each layer,otherwise it will not be strong enough to hold its shape when the balloon is popped.You should need at least 6-8 layers.

[pastafreak]

papier *mache*......lol

[grandpajoe]

Thanks for those replies.
Answerbank didn't inform us that we had replies, which is unusual,so found the thread tonight and LO there were six!!
These replys confirmed what we thought but of course since I did owt like this in "the 50s" PVA has come along and I had not thought of using it 'till now!!
JOE