Paper Mache Recipes

Quick and easy do it yourself recipes for homemade paper mache.

4 favorite paper mache recipes and instructions on how to make Paper Mache for piñatas.

Paper Mache can be used for all kinds of art projects and especially to make a Paper Mache Pinata for a birthday party. 

There are many different ways to make the Paper Mache paste. 

Make sure to start your project 4 - 5 days before the party so it will have time to dry. 

Paper Mache #1
Simply use liquid fabric starch

Paper Mache recipe #2
1 Cup Flour   
5 Cups Water
Mix together in a pot and boil for 3 - 4 minutes.  Let cool before using. 
(Dries clear, but not as strong as the unboiled method below)

Paper Mache recipe #3
2 Cups Flour
2 Cups Water
Mix together in a large bowl.
(Using an electric mixer will remove the lumps)

Paper Mache recipe #4
1 Cup Elmer's Glue (if using a cheaper brand use more)
1 Cup Water
Mix together. 

For all the recipes you will need:
Newspaper torn into strips about 1" wide - tear the paper instead of cutting it.  Tearing will make the papers blend into each other.

Tips:
Along with the newspaper tear strips of white copy paper to use as the last layer.  It makes painting much easier and quicker. 

For the look of clay or leather use strips from brown grocery sacks.

Recycle by using old wrapping paper for the strips.

When the object is completely dry you can sand down any rough edges with sandpaper.

Use tissue paper to make small details.

Use toilet or paper towel tubes for arms, legs and tails. 

Make this easy pinata by using paper mache over a balloon and then decorating it with layers of round tissue paper or, even easier, paper cupcake liners.