How to Make a Papier Mâché Bowl

Reviewed by Renee Day

Last Updated: August 11, 2024 Approved

Papier-mâché (pap-yay mash-ay) or paper mâché (paper mash-ay) is an easy to make material that can be used to cover various surfaces. It is often used in arts and crafts to make various sculptures, including bowls suitable for fruits, display and holding your keys. The surface is easy to paint, allowing you to add patterns, bright colors, and interesting designs to your finished bowl.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Paste and Paper

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1
Select a suitable paste. You can either make your own paste or use a ready-made paste. Plain flour and water makes an ideal paste and is non-toxic and made in a jiffy. See below for the recipe. Alternatively, you can use wallpaper paste as a ready-made solution - just follow the instructions on the package for making it.
- To make your own flour and water paste:^{[1]
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  - Add 1/2 a cup of flour and then a cup full of water.
  - Mix until smooth. Create a thin paste that is about the consistency of double cream. Some recipe variants suggest adding one tablespoon of sugar to the mixture, though if you're going to do this, make sure to use plain (all purpose) flour.
Follow the grain of the paper if you can. The thinner that you can make the strips, the better. It is recommended that you aim for strips that are about 2-3cm (.78" x 1.1") wide.^{[2]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Adding Paper to the Mould

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Beginners are better off starting with a typical bowl shape. For the more advanced, you may like to vary the shape according to your imagination.^{[3]
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2
Cover the mould in Vaseline. Be sure to cover it thickly. This is important because it helps to get your project off the mould. If you don't have enough covering the mould, the project may break as you try to remove it. (Or if the shape affords it, cover with plastic wrap, making sure it is covered completely, securing it with tape, if necessary, in a place that won't be covered by the paper strips).^{[4]
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- If using wallpaper paste, it will not stick to the plastic wrap.
Wipe off the excess - whilst it should be covered in paste, do not have it dripping. Place the strip onto the mould and smooth it out. Repeat with each strip until the bowl is entirely covered with a single layer.^{[5]
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After the mould is completely covered, prepare a second layer. Leave the double layered project overnight to dry. This will allow the base of the bowl to harden thoroughly. Keep in a warm, dry spot.
5
Put on another few layers the following day. This will strengthen the bowl and thicken it. Leave to dry. Repeat until the mould is covered with paper to about the depth of 1 - 2 cm (.39" - .78 ").^{[6]
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- This may take many days for drying but it is an important step to ensure that the bowl retains it shape, strength and is not at risk of getting mildew from poor drying.
- Keep testing with your finger during the drying stages to check for any moist spots.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Unmoulding the Bowl

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Slip a spatula between the paper and the mould. Gently separate the two items and lever the mould out.^{[7]
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3
Decorate. The bowl is now ready for any type of decoration that fits with your needs. Suggestions for decorating include using collage or découpage, painting, wrapping paper, etc. Ensure that the decoration method is dry before proceeding to the next step.
- If wished, apply a coat of emulsion and paint with acrylic paints.
This will protect the bowl from dust and spills. The bowl is not suitable for use as a food serving item - it is only a decorative object. However, such an object can have many uses, including display, a place to keep things in, a coffee table talking piece etc.^{[9]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Can I paint the paper mache bowl with acrylic paint?

Community Answer

If you want, but then paint a coat of Mod Podge over it so the acrylic paint doesn't chip.

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Is varnish optional?

Community Answer

Varnish helps preserve and protects the bowl from breaking. I think it's essential, but it's really up to you.

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What texture should the paste be?

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The paste should definitely be very thick.

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Tips

If you enjoyed making this project, you can go on to try making bracelets, coasters, pencil tins, boxes, earrings and other jewelry, absolutely anything from papier mâché.

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This is a great project that kids love, and it's totally safe.

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Warnings

Patience is key. Don't try to rush ahead and put too many layers on at once; it will take twice as long to dry in the end and will not dry as consistently, leaving it vulnerable to the possibility of mildew growth.

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Old clothes or an apron are essential; the paste will not wash out of your clothes.

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