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Hi,
I'm new to the craft and was wondering how thick the layers on a mould should be. I'm starting small and doing utility pieces like bowls and plates at the moment, which I plan to decorate and gift as Christmas presents. I want the pieces to be fairly study, to be used as fruit bowls and cookie plates.
What would you recommend? I'm using newspaper, and PVA glue and water diluted to a 3:1 consistency. And am in the process of doing my fourth layer [the first layer was paper with water, to allow for easy removal.]
Please help
Tasneem
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Hi Tasneen,
Sounds like you are on the right track, though aren't you finding the glue a bit thick to work with? We usually reckon 50/50 with the pva and water.
You will need at least 4 or 5 layers, preferably 6 or 7 to give it a firm texture. Some items need more than others and it can depend on what you are going to finish them with. You shouldn't have any problems releasing it from the mould as you sensibly used just dampened paper.
Good luck!
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Hi Jackie,
Thanks for the quick response. I also used vasline under the layer of water soaked paper, so hopefully it will come out easily. It seems like it might work because the edges are curling on some of the bowls already.
I'll stick to the 7 layers, and see how it goes. Thanks for the help. I'll post photos once they are decorated and stuff 
Does the same apply if I'm using tissue paper because I want to try really delicate small pieces as jewellery containers.
Tas
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Tissue paper is another ball game. If you are aiming for a delicate look, the best thing you can do really is to try some test pieces. Make a few small samples and see what the results are. Tissue paper is difficult to work with and it is best to put the paste onto the previous dried layers and not onto the tissue itself. Paste the dried mache and then carefully place each piece of tissue on top, smoothing out gently as you go.
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Thanks a lot Jackie. I'm so glad I found this site, its been a fantastic resource. I have a book, and that's where I -re-learned the technique after my last attempt about 20 years ago [in school].
Cheers
Tasneem
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Hi
As Jakie said tissue paper is a bit tricky as it falls apart on you so get a good quality one and you should be OK. I use tissue quite alot for a finishing coat of colour.
Sue.
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Hi Sue,
Thanks for the tip. What I did was I followed Jackie's advice, and put the paste on the mould and then posted the paper on top of that, and it did seem to work. I used it as a layer on top of the vasline covered bottom of the moulds, because the PVA sealer was slipping off, but the tissue fixed on fine, and that gave a lovely porcelain like layer onto which I shall now add the emulsion and then decoration.
Cheers
Tas
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Yes, once they are done, I shall put them online for comments and suggestions for improvement.
x
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