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Hello Everyone!
After years of buying, selling and appreciating other's art work, the creative side of me couldn't stand it any more. I had to build. I had to create. My mind was flooding with ideas. But what could I use to create them with? Having limited finances, the obvious choice was papier mache.
The only experience I had with this medium was a balloon mask in elementary school and a crumpled paper tiger in high school. I couldn't remember how to make the paste! I searched the web for recipes and examples which brought me to this wonderful site. Thankyou ALL for showing me that all I imagine can be possible with papier mache!
I long to create life-size sculptures, but decided to practice with pinatas and masks first. Now I'm hooked! The possibilities are endless. I love this medium.
I've made shape molds and covered them with plastic packing tape. I coated them with a thin layer of petroleum jelly as a relief, but it leaves a greasy residue. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to use that won't leave the residue?
Thanks, Paper Rose
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Perhaps a layer or two of wet paper strips with no paste on them?
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Thanks Christian Ninja. I'll give the glueless paper a try and let you know how it works.
Paper Rose 
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The tutorial mentions using washing up liquid as a release agent. Has anyone here used it ? Does it leave much residue? I just don't like the idea of greasy stuff in the inside of my pinatas where the candy and toys come in contact. I've been painting inside them, but it's increasing my production time and kind of a pain to get in there. Haven't found out the results of the plain wet paper first layers yet, but still looking for other options while it drys.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Paper Rose
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Yes, I've used washing up liquid on a plaster cast. Just a thin smear, let it dry but then put a non pasted layer of paper on first as Ninja says. As soon as it is on/in the mould, brush a little paste mix over it. This moistens it to take the shape of the mould and also prepares it for adhesion for the next overlap or layer.
Once it is dried and you remove it, you need to check out the internal layer, perhaps repairing any loose bits or even applying another layer overall.
David
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Thanks David!
I appreciate the advice. I'd much rather learn from other's experiences than waste time on the trial and error method. 
(Especially as long as it takes papier mache to dry!)
Oh, by the way, have you heard the saying a poet but didn't know it? Looked in your gallery and you're definitely an artist in my book. I especially liked the wife's knitting container and the flying pig.
Paper Rose
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