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I'm new to the forum and totally new to Papier Mache, but inspired by this website and am going to attempt to make small furniture items as a starting point. A couple of questions, I was hoping someone could help me with:
- can you use glossy magazines? Particularly junk mail (I like the idea of being able to recycle these things)
- will be using cardboard boxes as base. Assume that I papier mache both sides? And any tips on making sure the end result is really strong?
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You certainly can. 
The glossy paper from all that unwanted junk mail makes very good pulp because it has a proportion of clay in it already. It will also be strong for laminating. Use at least 40% PVA to make sure you have a really good bond. 
Some of the mailings are on thin card. I suggest that you don't use that.
DavidO
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A further thought. For considerable strength, glue sheets of cardboard together before laminating over them, placing one at right angles to the next.
You can use corrugated card but it is interesting to see how strong three layers of the cardboard from cereal packets can be. Use PVA to join them and hold them flat (or on a curve if that is what you want) until they dry. Then laminate over as many times as you think necessary.
DavidO
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Thanks DavidO, I'm so glad good use can come out of junk mail!
When you say 40% PVA, do you mean use this mix as the glue when laying down strips?
Jen
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