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I´ve started on a project making a "eggshaped" form, as seen on the picture below I have made a mould (actually two) in plaster (i think it´s named so) and it´s sealed with shellac. Now, I need some paper maché-material to bulid the shape with. I want it to be about 3-5mm thick (the mould is about 40cm x 25cm in size) Can anyone recomend me a simple and quick recepie that will work great? I would like to have a rather "papery" surface if thats possible, otherwise as smooth as possible.
Picture: http://www.bildbox.se/srv1/bildbox.se_5 … 181750.jpg
/Niclas from Sweden
Last edited by enNiclas (2008-02-01 17:54:00)
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I would use paper strips. Dampen some strips with just plain water and line the entire mold with them. Doing this will help prevent the adhesive from sticking directly to the mold lining and make removal easier.
Then start applying your glued paper strips. For something that size, I would layer on at least four to six layers of papier mache. Let dry thoroughly before attempting to remove from the mold. The moist paper should shrink a bit as it dries, so that will help with the removal.
If you tint your adhesive slightly with color (tempera, paste food coloring, etc) on every other layer, you will see more easily where one layer ends and the next starts. This will help you to make the egg an even thickness with fewer weak spots.
If you apply your paper strips (use a cut or ruler-torn edge) neatly right at the natural edge of your mold (interior) at every layers, when you put the two halves together it will be MUCH easier to fit the edges together.
Just curious: what is the final use of this egg?
Sue
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Thanks a lot for your answer! After some more reasearch I´ve understod that the method you recomend is the way to go. 
It´s not actually an egg, more a shape of an almond with one half a bit smaller than the other (hard to describe). I´m doing this job for a company, it´s an sort of carryer of the ash in ocean/sea-funerals. One half contain the ash and the other half should have a small hole where you can put letters or messages. I´m really not that good in the english language, hope you understand anyway.
/NIclas
Last edited by enNiclas (2008-02-03 19:57:27)
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Niclas,
hur mor du?
my husband speaks Swedish and can read it passably well, if there is something you can't put into English try it in Svensk and I will see if he can translate for you. From there we ought to be able to solve your pm problems.
Hej hej,
Charlotte
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I guess you realise that it is impossible to completely waterproof paper artefacts, so the contents would be dispersed in the sea fairly soon. Perhaps that is what is wanted.
If you are making several, you might like to consider a couple of layers of paper and then a thin lining of fine pulp (see recipes by Melf). You can roll this to about 2mm thickness and it is surprisingly strong.
DavidO
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I almost forgot to ask: what did you use as a form to make the original mold? It's beautifully done!
Sue
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