Papier-Mache

History

Papier-mâché (French for "chewed-up paper") is a technique involving either paper pulp or strips of paper, sometimes reinforced with other fibers, stuck together with paste. It has been used throughout history in many cultures for everything from simple children's art to fine furniture, objects d'art, and even boats and parts for prefabricated buildings.

Examples of papier-mâché in France date back as early as the sixteenth century, mainly in objects such as doll heads. Early examples of ornamental and practical objects have also been found in India, dating back to the fifteenth century. The adaptability of paper pulp, mixed with the proper binding ingredients, made it an extremely useful and economical material. By the seventeenth century, interest in the technique was spreading, and Europeans began to consider the commercial applications of papier-mâché.

French snuffboxes, which were collected by Peter the Great and Catherine the Great of Russia, were extremely popular during the seventeenth century. Papier-mâché was also used as a convincing imitation of stuccowork and plaster ornamentation on buildings.

The art flourished in England, where papier-mâché furniture and decorative objects such as wall sconces, mirror frames and ceiling ornaments were produced on a large scale. The popularity of East Asian lacquer work in the seventeenth and eighteenth century inspired craftspeople to experiment with lacquering the papier-mâché objects they produced. Papier-mâché objects were often embellished with various finishes, paint and items such as gemstones.

The art form continued to expand in use, as more people discovered papier-mâché's versatility and surprising strength when properly mixed and constructed. In the United States, paper canoes became popular during the eighteenth century. With the addition of cloth, some wooden strips, and waterproofing, the canoes were actually seaworthy.

In the mid-twentieth century, papier-mâché gained popularity with serious artists, particularly pop artists. The technique was used by such artists as Claes Oldenburg, Eva Hesse, Red Grooms, and Kiki Smith. After falling out of use in the art world for several decades, papier-mâché enjoyed a comeback in this context in the early twenty-first century.

Tools and supplies:

• Scissors
• Wallpaper or flour paste
• Cardboard, balloons, or chicken wire for framework
• Newspaper, tissue, or other paper

Paint

• Objects for ornamenting the project, such as beads, etc.
• Varnish or sealant
• Fine sandpaper

Additional materials for making paper pulp:

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or wire whisk
• Blender or food processor
• Paper or egg cartons torn into small pieces
• White modeling glue

Chalk

• Linseed oil
• Scented oil, such as pine or mint (to keep insects away from pulp)

Techniques

Though layering paper strips is probably the most familiar form of papier-mâché to most people, paper pulp, when mixed properly, can also be cast in molds to make almost any shape.

To make a piñata using paper strips and paste, mix wallpaper paste powder or flour with water until smooth. Inflate a balloon of the desired shape and tie very tightly so it does not deflate. Then, cut paper into strips of desired size, and dip the paper strips into the paste until the paper is saturated. Layer the paper pieces onto the balloon. Let layers dry between applications. Apply the paper until you achieve the thickness or result desired. Allow the entire project to dry thoroughly. Then, paint or embellish your piñata as desired. Cardboard shapes can be glued on to make animal features.

To make a sculpture on a frame, cut and bend cardboard or chicken wire into the desired shape. Apply either paper strips dipped in paste, or paper pulp (or both) to build up the form. Be sure to let the layers dry before adding new ones. When the form is finished, allow the sculpture to dry thoroughly before coating. Paint or embellish the sculpture as desired, and then apply a sealant. Sand lightly and apply additional coats of sealant as desired.

Trends

Papier-mâché continues to be a favored project for schoolchildren. Many more pieces of art are constructed using this technique than is widely known, as the finished products can easily pass for wood, plaster, stone, or other sculpted materials. The ease of use and the light weight of the finished products make papier-mâché a very popular material to work with. While some artists today emulate the stylized forms and ornate decorations of bygone times, others enjoy using the versatility of papier-mâché to express their individual style.

Papier-mâché for Fun vs. Profit

Depending on the skill of the artist, a good price can certainly be asked for carefully made work. As anything from jewelry to containers to furniture to figurines can be made from papier-mâché, as well as embellishments to interior surfaces, the markets for a talented artist's work are many. In the twenty-first century, many independent artisans sell their work primarily through the Internet.

Learning More

Organizations

American Craft Council <http://www.craftcouncil.org/>

Puppeteers of America <http://www.puppeteers.org/>

Publications

Bawden, Juliet. "The Art and Craft of Papier Mâché." San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1995.

Gibson, Ray. "Usborne Book of Papier Mâché (How to Make Series)." Tulsa: E.D.C. Publishing, 1995.

Halse, Lone. "Papier Mâché: Over 50 Projects Illustrated in Colour." Devon, England: David Porteous Editions, 1994.

Smallwood, Christine. "Could Papier-Mâché Be the Perfect Medium for Our Times?" The New York Times Style Magazine, 22 Feb. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/02/22/t-magazine/papier-mache.html. Accessed 22 July 2019.

Williams, Melanie. "Making Your Own Papier Mâché: Creative Ideas For Beautiful Designs." New York: Sterling Publishing, 1996.