Thursday, January 7, 2010

I had a craving for making Paper Mache bowls over this winter break, so what else to do while the men are off fixing the heating system, but give into my craving.

I started with a bowl shape, covered the bowl with plastic wrap and covered that with pieces of torn up tissue paper - all put together with watered down PVA glue. You can use the traditional flour and water paste, but I chose the easier way out. I used about 5 layers of tissue paper, and it's pretty strong.


I let it dry on the form and then gently took it off.



I put a blue/violet tissue paper on the inside and smoochesh around more watered down PVA. Let it dry again.


I added a blue paper to the outside - this was a bit more difficult as this paper was kind of stiff so parts of it stuck out. I decided to use the form of the paper, and did some rubbing with a gold ink pad.

I sewed on beads and gold wire and gold thread - just free sewing, no plan or pattern.



I like it, it's cool looking and I can see the possibilities for other decoration, or even no decoration at all. I have two more forms waiting to be worked on, we'll see how they turn out.

19 comments:

Lynn Cohen said...

These are really pretty Mim.
I've always wondered how these were made. Thanks for the lesson.
LOL Now I feel compelled to try one myself! Can one use fabric instead of paper I wonder? I think I have seen fabric bowls.

Kerstin Klein said...

Hey Mim, that really looks good. Specially the gold and beads addition.
I loved making paper maché stuff as a kid. I should do it with my kids too. What kind of glue is PVA glue?

Mim said...

PVA glue is here used for bookbinding! I think they call it library glue - it's thick and very sticky. but you can use any type of glue at the consistency you like.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I have never done anything like this. Interesting. I love the beads and gold highlights.

sukipoet said...

I went through a phase of making lots of handmade paper bowls similar in technique but using mhy own handmade paper. Beads etc. Your way much simpler. Beautiful results. I actually sold mine at craft fairs.

Cate said...

I love paper mache and it's been ages since I've done any. These are beautiful and now you've got me inspired to get up, get a bowl form and start creating them!

Fun, fun, fun!

Happy Thursday Everyone!!

studio lolo said...

Mim, they would make such lovely gifts to hold earrings and other little treasures.
Treasures within a treasure. Just beautiful.

You ladies are all trying new things and inspiring the heck out of me!

You, me and Kj need to have a studio day ;)

soulbrush said...

you sewed them on! wow, i am so impressed, we do papier mache at school with kids and that's enough mess for me, never do it at home. what a sweet little bowl.

Barbara/myth maker said...

Wow, this bowl is great! I've never seen paper mache done so well. I love the beading on it, and wish I could figure out how to do that. Adding the gold to the textury parts was a great idea. It's just beautiful!

Teri said...

Wow, what a fabulously creative work of art!!!

Debra Kay said...

I love these! I've been wanting to make felted bowls for awhile now-but I'm struggling with the concept that I put that work into it then toss it into the dryer.....AAAAAAAGH. If I were a better knitter....

Bea said...

oooooooh pretty, pretty! :)Bea

Katiejane said...

I like it too. Very pretty. Show us the others when they are done.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Pretty! I think I'd like a large one in Christmas colors to put the cards I get in...

kj said...

mim!!!

this is totally beautiful!!

you are so diversified you're almost a mutual fund (hee hee hee--did that make you laugh?)

love
kj

marianne said...

Wow very pretty!
Good to see you having time for this kind of fun instead of being your busy self ;)

Michele said...

Mim, that is really beautiful. I think I say this every time I comment but you are one of the most creative people I know. I'm in awe of you and your creative talents.

ArtistUnplugged said...

Beautiful bowl!!! Hey, hope you got your heat back!

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

I missed this post. How pretty these bowls are. Looks like fun.