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hi guys, been visiting this site for years but only just registered (D'OH) now for the question... Ive been asked to make three 'photography stools' for children to sit on whilst being photographed, in the shape of different sized tree stumps, to fit into each other. Obviously they'll have wooden armatures but is there anyway of making papier mache REALLY strong so i can use it for the topcoat and details? Though ive been 'into' papier mache for ages but have little ACTUAL experience :oops: It stands to reason theyre gonna have alot of wear and tear so any advice would be gratefully received... even if its to say 'mad fool, use fibre glass and resin!'
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One way would be to get sheets of corrugated card from old packaging. Cut it into widths for the height you want and bend it round in concentric circles until you reach the diameter you want.
This will already be very strong. Cut a couple of discs for the top and for the bottom. Stick smaller pieces onto the outside to form branch stumps etc.
Using alternating layers of kraft (brown wrapping) paper and bond (office) paper, laminate them with a strong paste around the outside, squeezing, pinching into shape to get the bark textures.
Paint and varnish.
I reckon this should work. Let us know how you get on.
DavidO 
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I can't think of anything better than what David has suggested. One thing you might do, though, to make them stackable, is to wrap the cardboard around wastepaper baskets or something similar, to get the sizes you want. One you get the size, you could hot-glue the cardboard together, then use pm on top.
In fact, if you use David's idea, I doubt that you would even need wooden armatures.
Sue
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Thats great advice, thanks to both of you. got some time off work so im gonna make a start, will let you know how i got on! many thanks again 
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Hey Sue, we should go into business . . . singing in harmony so well!!
David
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