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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:

  1. 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.

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  2. 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?

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  3. 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.

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

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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!!

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  7. 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 ;)

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  8. 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.

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  9. 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!

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

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  11. 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....

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  12. oooooooh pretty, pretty! :)Bea

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

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

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  15. 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

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

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  17. 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.

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

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

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