Crafting with Consciousness: How to Make Paper Mâché and Eco-Friendly Glue at Home

Paper mâché is a brilliant way to re-use old newspapers. It is a great activity for a rainy day and to keep the kids entertained.

Let’s look at how to make some fun paper mâché creations.

The first thing you need to do is make some eco-friendly glue.

How to create eco-friendly glue 

To create an eco-friendly glue, you can make a simple paste using ingredients like flour, water, and a pinch of salt.  

1. Mix equal parts of flour and warm water in a bowl. 

2. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste.  

3. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more warm water. 

4. Add a pinch of salt to prevent the glue from spoiling and going mouldy. 

How to make paper mâché projects

Create a base layer 

To make a paper mâché creation, you need to have a base layer to put the newspaper and glue onto. 

Here are some eco-friendly examples of how to make a base layer –  

5. Recycled Cardboard: Cut and shape recycled cardboard into the desired form for your paper mache project. Cardboard is readily available, biodegradable, and can be easily molded into various shapes. 

6. Wire Frames: Create wire frames using eco-friendly materials such as recycled wire or sustainable bamboo. Wire frames provide a sturdy base for paper mache sculptures and can be shaped into intricate designs. 

7. More newspaper! Use newspaper to make the shape of the project you want. 

This is a volcano we made from a base layer of old newspapers.

Get creative!

Once the glue has cooled, has cooled, dip the newspaper strips into the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, and then apply them to the base surface. 

Layer up! 

Layer the newspaper strips until the desired thickness is achieved, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. 

Allow to dry 

Let your paper mâché creation dry. This make take several days, so be patient.

Paint your paper mâché creation

Once dry, the paper mâché creation can be painted with eco friendly paints. 

Finishing the paper mâché project

You may want a shiny finish for your paper mâché project. You can make a home made varnish from simple ingredients like vegetable oil and vinegar.  

Here’s a recipe for you to try: 

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (such as olive oil or sunflower oil) 
• 1/4 cup white vinegar 

Instructions: 

1. In a small bowl, mix together the vegetable oil and white vinegar until well combined. 
2. Apply the mixture to your dry paper mâché project using a paintbrush, sponge, or cloth. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly with the varnish. 
3. Allow the varnish to dry completely. As it dries, it will create a shiny finish on the surface of the paper mâché. 

This homemade varnish provides a shiny finish for your paper mâché project while also protecting it from moisture and wear.

It’s eco-friendly and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home. Plus, it’s safe to use and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. 

I hope you have lots of fun making some eco-friendly mâché projects.