Having the ability to make your own decorations and ornaments provides a rewarding feeling, especially when you get to see your creations on display throughout your house or at a local craft show. Craft shows used to be the place to go to purchase and view crafts that others are making but the internet has made this much easier. With the internet, you can buy arts and crafts that people have made along with the craft supplies needed to make these items. As a long time crafts enthusiast, I would like to share my knowledge with those new to this wonderful hobby.

There are many types of mediums that you can use when crafting. I have worked with paper mache, wood, candles, dolls, and much more. Paper mache has always been my favorite because the possibilities are endless. Paper mache is a crafting technique that allows the artist to construct anything by piecing together loose pieces of paper. Paper mache paste holds the paper together so your creation can take form.

Gathering your supplies

You can find an assortment of paper mache craft supplies online to help you get started. These supply shops can also help spark many creative ideas for your project. Important supplies that you will need are: paintbrushs, strips of newspaper, paper mache paste, and acrylic-sealing spray. A sealing spray is used to finalize your creation by giving it an added layer of protection. There are some great places to buy craft supplies online such as Factory Direct Craft.

Beginning a Project

When beginning any new project, you need to have a clear idea of what you are looking to make. This can help you acquire the right color paper, paint and anything else that fits the idea you would like to create. When beginning your project, lay out your strips of newspaper and create a base model to work with. You want to attach strips of newspaper to this model to reinforce it while it gains the shape you want. One tip to remember is that the newspaper can be rolled into different shapes to create the details of your object. At the end, give your project enough time to dry before painting or adding any accessories to it.

Several Project Ideas

The ideas are endless when it comes to paper mache crafts. You can make anything from a decorative flowerpot to a mask. Paper mache masks look great on a wall, but they can be quite challenging to make depending of the level of detail used.

Animals are another excellent idea to consider when beginning a new project. A finished paper mache dog or cat would look great on a table all year.

As a beginner, a flowerpot would be perfect since it is not as detailed as a mask or an animal. A flowerpot is also a good idea because it works for any skill level. If you are advanced, you can go a step further and create a flower inside the pot.

About Our Guest Contributor

Mark Richards is a freelance writer who loves to make his own decorations with paper mache. He also enjoys helping others find great deals on paper mache craft supplies.