Paper Mache With Glue Is A Snap...

Papier Mache How To

 ...Just make it thin enough so that you fingers will not get sticky and clumped with glue too soon.

I started my 4 napkin rings today and I am so excited.  I have been planning this for a long time and procrastinating.

I made my paper mache glue with simple pva white glue from a bottle with a squeeze nozzle.  A more shallow bowl or plate works best.  It's easier to dip the newspaper strips into the glue mixture. 

Though I used the first small batch I made, it was too thick and sticky because I did not add enough water.

My second batch was much thinner, almost too thin I thought at first.  Make your paper mache paste glue soupy.  When you lift some up with a knife it should run off back into the cup in a steady stream.  This works great for me.

Keep a spray bottle handy, and a terrycloth towel to spritz and wipe your hands often.  Making this break in your momentum is worth it.  You won't have to stop later and spend minutes peeling the sticky clumps from your fingers.



Hand Embroidery



Also before you start, rub a little petroleum jelly onto your hands.  It helps to keep them from becoming too sticky too soon.  I stopped between napkin rings to wash my hands with soap and apply some petroleum jelly.  If you are making one larger object, you can stop at various stages to do this.

My 4 embroidered napkins are waiting for their pepper rings.