Seems lots of people make bangles in paper mache! Here's my version...
(recycled paper pulp, acrylic paint, & matte sealant)
2 comments
Maraim
December 26, 2011 at 4:20PM
I tried making pappier mache bangles myself but mine look so rough. My hand god scratched while wearing one. While your's are so refined looking, I love em!
Can you please give me some tips on how to make them smooth? I'll appreciate :-)
Hi Maraim,
Thanks for your comments! My best tips are babysitting the pulp as it dries and commit some time to sanding! What I mean is, to achieve a smooth finish, I sculpt a basic pulp of newspaper and white glue over the form (a cardboard tape roll or a slice from a plastic bottle). I don't expect to get fine details in until the pieces have begun to dry a little. Then I keep checking on them, smoothing, sculpting, and coaxing them, with my fingers, plastic tools, water, and more glue to make sure they take the shape I want. The more time you make to do this, the less time you will have to spend sanding. Once the pieces are dry, I sand them smooth, often applying gesso, then sanding them some more as I start adding coats of color (I sand them when the coats have dried). With acrylic, I have found that with several layers and some sanding (and patience), you can get to a point where the acrylic surface can be buffed to a very shiny finish! And voila! Good luck.
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Maraim
December 26, 2011 at 4:20PM
I tried making pappier mache bangles myself but mine look so rough. My hand god scratched while wearing one. While your's are so refined looking, I love em!
Can you please give me some tips on how to make them smooth? I'll appreciate :-)
Renee Parker
January 12, 2012 at 8:14AM
Hi Maraim,
Thanks for your comments! My best tips are babysitting the pulp as it dries and commit some time to sanding! What I mean is, to achieve a smooth finish, I sculpt a basic pulp of newspaper and white glue over the form (a cardboard tape roll or a slice from a plastic bottle). I don't expect to get fine details in until the pieces have begun to dry a little. Then I keep checking on them, smoothing, sculpting, and coaxing them, with my fingers, plastic tools, water, and more glue to make sure they take the shape I want. The more time you make to do this, the less time you will have to spend sanding. Once the pieces are dry, I sand them smooth, often applying gesso, then sanding them some more as I start adding coats of color (I sand them when the coats have dried). With acrylic, I have found that with several layers and some sanding (and patience), you can get to a point where the acrylic surface can be buffed to a very shiny finish! And voila! Good luck.