How to make Papier Mache // Facts and Figures

For our new OUGD405 Module which will be briefed on Monday we have each been given a different scenario that we have to take away and research, collected a range of primary, secondary, quantitive and qualitative data from. Here are my findings;

Primary Research

For my primary research I decided to write a questionnaire based on facts I found in my Secondary Research section. Below is a copy of the questionnaire and the data collected.

All data collected was taken from research found on dltk-kids and familycrafts.

Here are the images collected from my questionnaire results;

Quantitive Data

Definition: Related to, or expressed in terms of measured numeric values, quantity or statistical comparison derived from systematic survey, observation or analysis of the subject; this may include probabilistic evaluation. Quantitative research is based on measurable data gathered from a wide range of sources, often followed by objective analysis. A general description includes facts, figures and scientific observation that can be statistically analyzed and then can be reduced to something that can be enumerated. The collected data is often subjected to statistical tests to see if the results are internally consistent or representative of random chance. Typically, it describes patterns and trends in size and quantity. Quantitative data is often classified as being real.

Qualitative Data

Definition: Relating to, or expressed in terms of, quality. Qualitative research is based on individual, often subjective analysis. A general description of properties that cannot be written in numbers, that cannot be reduced to something that can be enumerated. Relating to or based on the quality or character of something, often as opposed to its size or quantity. Typically describes people's knowledge, attitudes or behaviors. adj. A type of data used as a method of labeling and identifying. Qualitative data are classified as being either nominal or ordinal.

Secondary Research

For my secondary research I have studied different way in which Paper Mache can be made, using online internet sources and guided video demonstrations. Here are a few things I collected;

How to Paper Mache

tear newspaper into strips
HINT: always make the last layer of mache with white computer paper or paper towel so that painting is easier. It takes FAR less paint. If you don't do this, consider priming the project with white acrylic paint before you let the kids at it with the poster paint
Make paper mache paste (there are many different options):
- OPTION 1: 3/4 white glue to 1/4 water (or if using a good, thick glue, like elmers you can do 1/2 and 1/2)
- OPTION 2: COOK METHOD: 1 part flour to 5 parts water... boil about 3 minutes and let cool (my favorite! it's the cheapest method and is nice and smooth)
- OPTION 3: 1 part flour to 1 part water. Stir together.

NOTE: Humidity really does play a factor! If you live somewhere very humid, add less water (up to 1/4 less). I live in a very dry area.

NOTE: if you add a couple tablespoons of salt to your paper mache it will not mold. (Thanks to Marg for this tip!)

Cover your project with no more than 4 layers of paper mache. I always tell the kids 2 layers as they ALWAYS overlap more than they should *laugh*

Let dry COMPLETELY.

Once again cover with no more than 4 layers.

continue this process until it's as solid as you want it.

if making a pinata, tie a loop of string to a paper clip. Tape the paper clip onto the frame of the pinata before you start maching. Mache over top of the paper clip. Make sure not to mache over the string loop. Tie your rope onto the loop to hang your pinata.

Here are some tips I discovered whilst research method of production;

Suggestion from a viewer...
"Rather than make our own paste for paper mache, we use liquid starch that is relatively inexpensive. I bought a large jug at the supermarket that we have been using for years. Sounds like it gives the same result as the cooked method. It dries smooth and clear - fantastic for use with gift wrap scraps. We use it with brown grocery bags when we want to create pottery or leather looking crafts."
Thanks to Pam for sharing this idea!

Trish offered these tips for working with paper mache...

"I briefly looked at your dolphin paper mache... have you ever tried using an old 2 litre soda bottle instead as your base? I use these a lot for paper mache. They are a good size and easy to cut and tape to alter to suit your needs. I taught Art to 4-7 graders and we made Elephants, Hippo's and Parrots out of the paper mache using the soda bottle method. I made a wonderful dolphin using a mineral water bottle that had a beautiful triangular shape. Wish I had a picture!!

Try this easy paper mache paste recipe:
- Take 1 heaped soup ladle of powdered cornstarch
- Place in a heat proof bowl
- Add enough COLD water to form a paste and to dissolve powder to consistency of thick cream.
- Pour in one kettleful (1.7 litres) of RAPIDLY BOILING (MUST be bubbling away...) and stir like crazy...!

It is very very HOT like porridge and it can form lumps so I usually give it a whisk or beating with my electric mixer to smooth it.
Paste should change from opaque white to translucent once the boiling water is added.
It will keep a few days and can be microwaved to be heated so it's less "jelly-like". Kids love to use it while it's warm, but it works equally well cold.

Salt can be added to prolong shelf life."

Thanks Trish!

Suggestion from a viewer...
"I use Elmer's art paste as my 'glue' for papier mache--it costs less than $3 for a small box that will mix up to a gallon of paste--and it lasts a long time. Not only that, but projects won't get eaten by bugs (this can happen when using flour or cornstarch pastes)! Last of all, for less than $9, I can buy several cubic feet of loose cellulose insulation (shredded paper) from most hardware stores (that you can also mix with art paste to your liking)--this will give you enough medium to last for quite awhile (even years) including in classroom situations, depending upon how often you use it. To use this last, build your basic armature, cover with a few layers of paper, then apply cellulose/art paste medium in several coats; allow to dry between coats. You may choose to end with paper for a different finish. This is fun to sculpt and experiment with."
Thanks to Ronnie Lee for sharing this idea!

Here is a video I came across which was quite interesting however does involve a more detailed and intricate process than other versions on 'how to make Paper Mache';

Here are some top tips on how to make 'great' Paper Mache:

• Paper mache is a very messy craft! Make sure to cover your work surface, or you can even do it outside if weather permits. Make sure you cover yourself also!

• Some creations can take several days to finish, so be prepared and be patient! Sometimes you will have to work for a little time every day adding new layers to your project.

• You want to make sure your paper mache project is completely dry before you paint and decorate it.

• Always tear your newspaper into strips instead of cutting them. For some reason the torn paper lays better on paper mache creation.

• To help your creation last longer, seal it with varnish or acrylic sealing spray when you are done painting it.

• For a natural look, use brown paper towels for the final layer of your creation.

• When you lay the newspaper strips onto your paper mache project, make the strips go in as many different directions as possible as it will make your finished project stronger.

• If you live in a humid climate assemble you paper mache project using glue rather than a flour and water mixture or try using a little less water in the recipe you follow.

• When working with a round object set it on top of a bowl or large-mouthed cup while you are working on it so it sits still.

• If you do not like the smell of your flour and water mixture, try adding a touch of cinnamon to sweeten it up.

Here are some interesting fact about Paper Mache:

1. In 1800 an Irish man called Issac Weld from County Cork made a boat from papier mache. In it he sailed on the Lakes of Killarney.

2. In 1833 Charles Frederick Bielefeld built ten prefabricated cottages and a ten roomed villa which he transported all the way to Australia! This “instant village” was designed to be assembled in just four hours for a client and his party to occupy on arrival.

3. Up until the 1970’s papier mache was used as casting moulds in the making of rotary letterpresses for printing our daily newspaper!

4. An ancient ceremony that still goes on today takes place in Duragupuja, India. Images are made of papier mache of the Goddess “Durga” and worshipped for ten days. Afterwards, in a candlelit midnight ceremony with a drum roll, they are cast into the river Ganges.

5. Masks have been made from papier mache since Paleolithic times.

6. Inspired by papier mache dolls and other items, a French physicist Louis Thomas Jerome Auzoux (1797 – 1880) experimented with anatomical papier mache models. In 1822 when he received his medical degree, he gave his first anatomical figure of a male to the Paris Academy of Medicine. Five years on he opened a factory to manufacture human, veterinary and botanical papier mache models.

7. The massive spinning papier mache globe made in Edinburgh for the Harry Potter film fetched an amazing £17,750 at auction!

8. A paper mache church erected in Norway survived 37 years before finally being demolished.

9. In 1883 a watch was made entirely from papier mache in Germany. The Dresden watchmaker claimed it was durable and matched it's metal equivalent in terms of performance.

10. Gong but not forgotton! Do you remember the giant gong at the start of J Arthur Rank films? Believe it or not, that gong was made of papier mache! This fact was let slip to close friends by the gong-striker, Kenneth Richmond who recently died in his 80s.

All secondary Data and research sourced from dltk-kids and familycrafts.

Qualitative Data Definition: Relating to, or expressed in terms of, quality. Qualitative research is based on individual, often subjective analysis. A general description of properties that cannot be written in numbers, that cannot be reduced to something that can be enumerated. Relating to or based on the quality or character of something, often as opposed to its size or quantity. Typically describes people's knowledge, attitudes or behaviors. adj. A type of data used as a method of labeling and identifying. Qualitative data are classified as being either nominal or ordinal.

For example, when comparing the information given above in my Secondary Research:

Make paper mache paste (there are many different options):
- OPTION 1: 3/4 white glue to 1/4 water (or if using a good, thick glue, like elmers you can do 1/2 and 1/2)
- OPTION 2: COOK METHOD: 1 part flour to 5 parts water... boil about 3 minutes and let cool (my favorite! it's the cheapest method and is nice and smooth)
- OPTION 3: 1 part flour to 1 part water. Stir together.
Quantitative Data would be that you mix 3/4 white glue with 1/4 water, or that you boil 1 part flour with 5 parts water and finally in option three the quantitative data would be that you stir together 1 part flour with 1 part water. However for these three examples we can also have qualitative data. Qualitative Data would be that you mix white glue with water, or in option two that you boil water and flour together and finally that in the final option you mix flour and water and stir the two together. Here we can see the clear definition between the two. Quantitative data includes figures and is much more precise however Qualitative data is more vague and just gives the details on the items not specifically the measurements or timings.

Lisa Collier

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