LABS FOR FEBRUARY

7TH GRADE
Flower model.
Materials. Newspapers, glue, water, flour.toilet paper or paper napkins or paper towels, cardboard,bucket

Flour Paste Recipe

1 cup Flour (2 parts)
1 1/2 cups Water (3 parts)
1/2 TBS salt (optional)
1/4 cup white glue (optional)

Directions:

• Mix the flour and water together with a wire whisk or fork until it is smooth and you have the consistency you want, should be similar to a heavy cream or a cream soup. If you want to thicken the paste, add flour. If you want to thin it, add a bit of water.
• Mix in the salt.
• Mix in the glue (if adding).
• The salt will help preserve the paste and prevent it from mold while the glue will help strengthen the paste.

Tips:

• You can make as much (or as little) paper mache paste you need by using the basic ratio of 2 parts flour to 3 parts water.
• If you’re working on a large project or need to take a break, cover the paste well with plastic wrap or seal with a lid and store in the refrigerator, should keep for a couple days. Let the paste come to room temperature before using again, stir well before using.
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Instructions

The process couldn’t be simpler to make a paper mache object, the hardest part is creating the shape the way you want it. After choosing your base, here are the steps involved

• Dip a strip of paper in the paste covering it completely with the paste, then remove the excess glue/paste by running the strip between your thumb and forefinger.
• Lay the strip on the base and smooth it out so that there are no air bubbles and the strip of paper is flat against the form, smooth out the edges with your fingers.
• Add the next strip, overlapping some on the previous strip. This helps build strength to the object as well as prevents any part of the base from being uncovered.
• Cover the base completely with one layer, then leave to dry before adding the next layer. Three to four layers are usually more than enough.
• When the piece has dried completely, you can remove the base materials (see tip above) and stuff it well with plastic bags or crumpled newspaper to give the object some weight. This will help make it stable as well as add some strength (so a bump or drop won’t dent it).

The project is now ready for paint and embellishment!