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Hello Everyone! I'm very new to paper mache, actually haven't made anything since I was 11 
, but I can't wait to finish my first project (a top hat and a carrot nose for my daughters "Frosty the Snowman" costume). My question is...can I keep the pulp mixture I made somehow to reuse at a later date? I first made the "runny" receipe on this site, but that seemed waaaay too runny...even after I gently boiled for a few min. (is that right?). So I started again and made the thick receipe...which turned out very thick and lumpy (is that right??). So now I have alot of thick pulp and would like to make it thinner and smoother (if I can) and would like to keep it to reuse. Any suggestions would be really appreciated!
What a wonderful site...thank you for it!!!! And the gallery is fabulous. I checked out every artist...I couldn't stop...it's very addictive. Each and every one of you are an inspiration. Keep up the beautiful work. Now if you'll excuse me...I'm off to the library 
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Hi Peri,
It is lovely to hear about your enthusiasm for papier mache and I'm so glad you have found so much inspiration on the site.
You can keep pulp for a few days in a very cool place (preferably a fridge). You can put it in a plastic container with a tight fitting lid.
As for the thickness of your adhesive, it is just a case of experimenting until you find what suits you. I use wallpaper paste and it is always just right to use.
Although it seems a bit of a waste, I would chuck out the pulp you are not happy with and start again as it will only lead to disappointment. Alternatively, you could mould it into some sort of object/shape then let it dry. You could then use is later on as a base for something to work on.
Good luck with your projects. 
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Thanks for your reply Jackie!
I think I have found a nice balance between flour and water that yeilds a smooth paste with nice consistency. I'll be giving it a try in a few min. when it cools.
To follow up on your storage info: when I would like to use paste that's been stored in the fridge...how do I get that back to liquid form? Would I gently heat it up again? (sorry if this is a silly question :oops: )
Thanks again!
Peri
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Dear Peri
I have had pulp that has stayed good for several months. After a brief boil, with plenty of water, I put the paper and water in a bucket and pulp it thoroughly using a paint mixer or mortar mixer attachment in an electric drill. At this stage it is like a very thin porridge. To store it, I remove all the water I can – it becomes very lumpy then – and seal it in a plastic bag, eliminating as much air as possible.
I guess it might help things to add a spoonful of boiled linseed oil or even bleach before bagging it, to reduce the likelihood of mould.
Adding the glue (I use two thirds wallpaper paste, one third PVA) plus linseed oil (if not already in it) and any filler (plaster of paris or ordinary plaster) prepares it for use.
This has worked for me so far.
David (dopapier)
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