I have had an epiphany!!!  Looking at Terry's birdhouses and saving milk cartons, i switched to those dollar store metal mesh baskets.  They are pliable, but strong and are open on the bottom (meshed).  Wonderful things can be done with them.  They are larger at the open end than on the bottom - turned upside down, they look like hats. It occurred to me that milk cartons - or any armature - could be poked full of holes to make it easier for the pulp or strips to dry.  Why not??  Hope this helps - oh ya - i also use a little fan and prop up my work on 2 pieces of thick styrofoam on each side to let the air pass through to the inside.  Works great! Also, bleach and paper towels give a wonderful antiqed yellow-brown finish with Podge over it.  (I have yet to experiment with different varnishes).  Happy pm-ing all!
Sharon