the surface should always be prepared properly, especially If it is made from newspaper. Join them using masking tape and cover the join with three layers of thin Paper-Mach strips.

Fit the paper halves together, matching the cut edges exactly.

Gently separate the Plasticine from each paper shell.

Using a craft knife, cut slowly around the shape to divide It n half.

Draw a cutting line all around the edge of the shape.

Lightly grease it with petroleum jelly then cover with thin strips of newspaper dipped in diluted PVA (white) glue five layers should be sufficient, Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Form Plasticine into the desired shape.

Place the framework on a wire cake rack in a warm place to dry naturally speeding up the drying can cause the Paper-Mach to warp. About five layers will disguise the corrugations and make a strong object.

Cover the sealed framework with Paper-Mach strips, applying each layer at right angles to the previous one.

Brush the framework with diluted PVA (white) glue to seal the surface and leave to dry Measure each piece of the framework carefully, and glue and tape it in place to make it sturdy and durable.

You can make a three-dimensional mold using heavy corrugated cardboard and covering it with Paper-Mach.

Place the object on a wire cake rack or a sheet of thin plastic the glue will stick to the plastic as It dries, but the plastic can easily be peeled away once the Paper-Mach is dry.

Paper-Mach objects such as picture frames and wall panels should be dried flat after sealing to prevent warping.

To prevent the layers of paper from coming apart, bind the edges of the shape using thin strips of newspaper. Following the indent of the edge of the mold to ensure an accurate curve.

Trim the raw edge from the paper shape using scissors.

Leave the Paper-Mach upside down to dry completely.

When the surface of the paper in the mold is dry, gently pull back the edge and, if it seems almost dry underneath, insert a blunt knife and gently pries (pry) the paper away from the mold.

Smooth each strip with your fingers and press out any air bubbles. Lay the second and third layers at right angles to the first. Spread the strips with PVA (white) glue on both sides and lay them individually in the greased mold from top to bottom, The strips should protrude slightly beyond the mold.

Cover large molds with five to six layers of paper strips, 2.5 cm (1 in) wide.

Cling film (plastic wrap) can sometimes be used Instead. It will then be easy to remove the Paper-Mach when it has dried.

Before applying Paper-Mach to a mold, the surface must be lightly greased with petroleum jelly to create a barrier between the glue and the mold, preventing the Paper-Mach from sticking to it.Strips of almost any width can be produced this way. Pull directly down, and the paper will tear into long, straight strips. Begin to tear about 2.5 cm (1 in) from the edge, along the grain. To make paper strips, grasp several folded sheets of newspaper in one hand.If you try to tear against the grain, it becomes impossible to control. Generally, the grain runs from the top to the bottom of the newspaper. Newspaper has a grain and will tear much more easily in one direction than the other. Tearing rather than cutting newspaper creates less obvious joins between strips.plaster of Paris and linseed oil and stir vigorously. When ready to use, add 2½ tablespoons PVA (white) glue and 1 tablespoon each wallpaper paste. Transfer the pulp to a lidded plastic box and store until required (it will keep for several weeks).

Cover with water and simmer for 30 minutes, Spoon the paper and water into a blender and process to a pulp. tear five sheets of newspaper in to 2.3 cm (1 in) squares and place in a saucepan. just push it into shape with your hands or a stiff paintbrush. You can use Paper-Mach pulp to make bowls or to build up sculpted images. wire mesh shapes can be molded to produce any number of interesting shapes, and structures made from cardboard, known as armatures, can also be covered. Almost any object can be used as a mold for Paper-Mach, although round objects are easier to cover smoothly if the mold is to be removed later. The techniques are quickly mastered and offer endless variation. Paper-Mach is the art of modelling with torn or shredded paper bound together with glue.

Craft paper