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I'm working with the community in an art activity. We will make bricks out of a paper based mixture and after they have dried we will use them for print making activities. I have read about your mix that is for stronger things, but I'm worried about cost and time. We will be making a large number of bricks. Do you have any suggestions for how to make the bricks inexpensive, but yet very durable. What are your thoughts- this is new ground for me.
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Pulp paper mache is only expensive if you go out and buy a pre-made paper mache mix. The beauty of paper mache, to me, is that you can make something beautiful or useful and do something nice for the planet at the same time. You can make pulp from any paper. Old magazines, photocopy paper, egg cartons, drink carriers, and newspapers are just a few sources for your PM pulp. You will find strength from your thicker, better grade papers such as magazines or red rosin paper. Use an inexpensive wood glue and dollar store talc as your binder and you can create your bricks at a low cost. Good Luck~Tammy
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If it is only surface texture you're after, it would be best to think of a thin skin of PM over a base. This way it would dry much quicker. A solid brick of PM would take perhaps weeks to dry, even if you are in a hot dry climate.
To block up the inside you could use polysterene; a box made of cardboard; a used drink carton; screwed up newspaper bound with a few lengths of masking tape.
Look at the tutorial on mixes by Martin Favreau. You don't actually have to use a filler but this would make the final result smoother and stronger the more you use and depending on the type you use. For example, if you want a really hard finish, mix in some plaster powder as used in house building.
Good luck
David
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