how can i make a paper mache box?

Question

i want to make paper mache boxes in various shapes and sizes for gifts, keepsakes etc. any crafters out there who can give me some ideas? thanks

Answer 1

There are various ways to "make boxes" yourself, and various materials you could use.

If you want to use something paper-based... you could use "book board," matte board, cardboard, or sheets of any stiff paper-based materials (cut them into proper sizes and glue them together).
Or use cardstock and fold it into a box shape (origami), possibly covering with some kind of papier mache if you really want to do that too (the surface won't be smooth though without a fair amount of work),....or you could cover another "armature" like fine wire mesh (WireForm, etc.) or even chicken wire, etc.

You might want to check out some of the cool boxes you can make origami-style... great for gifts, etc.... and this page also has other lessons on making boxes from various things:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/boxesgift.htm


For the sturdier boxes, you can also cover purchased pasteboard-type boxes with papier mache, or with other things like polymer clay**, decoupage, paint, etc.
Or you could do the same coverings over those cheap unfinished-wood boxes from Michaels, etc.

**polymer clay can be used to create freestanding boxes from "slabs" of clay, or by forming and baking the clay over another box then removing it... or by covering a permanent box or box armature (a pasteboard box, wire mesh, or actually lots of of other things):
http://glassattic.com/polymer/vessels.htm

HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 2

Large Paper Mache Boxes

Answer 3

No the best way to make paper mache anything is newspaper, flour, water, food or plastic wrap, and a fixed object. First you get a fixed object (by this I mean like a cardboard box if you want to make a bow or practically anything). Then you put the plastic wrap over the object and tape it to the insides so it won't move. Then you mix about 1 cup of water and 1 cup of flour to make an even mixture. If you put less water than the flour then the mixture will dry slow put will be hard. If you put more water than flour then it will dry fast but become very brittle. Okay after you put the mixture together then you cut the newspaper into long strips the size of the strips will actually depend on the time you need it to harden. For example, small strips will dry faster than bigger strips. After you dip the strips through the mixture gently pull the clunks off the newspaper. Then you lay the strips on the box or shape you want but remember to have the food wrap on the box or other object. After completely layering the object you put the object into the sun. REMEMBER ONLY LAYER ABOUT TWO LAYERS AT A TIME OR IT WOULD TAKE FOREVER TO DRY. Keep doing this until the object can stand by itself without the fixed object helping it. I hope I explained this thoroughly. Also make sure the object is completely dry before you paint it or it will practically never dry.

Answer 4

You can take small pieces of cardboard and tape them together for the size box you want, then layer your papier mache strips over it. Or you can take a jewelry box or some other box that's stiff, cover it with plastic wrap and apply your papier mache to it.

I have a candy mold that's a small box, and I put the shredded paper in a blender with water, pulse it, strain it and press it into the candy mold to make pretty boxes. .

Answer 5

You can buy ready made plain papier mache boxes very cheaply so it doesn't seem worth the effort to make them yourself unless you need a particular size or shape not available. Go to town decorating them instead.

Contact La Fourmi to see if they have a stockist near you www.lafourmi.be
or Sehlbach & Whiting another wholesaler may be able to put you in touch with a stockist e-mail [e-mail] or tel [phone]

Answer 6

That balloon idea is good. The materials you need is newspaper, watered down glue and colored paper.

Take layers of newspaper wetted with your glue/water mixture and mold into your desired shape. Let dry until hard.

The outside decoration is done in the same manner---adding layers of wetted paper (gift wrap, magazines, tissue. glue on sequins, glass, jewels, anything. Good luck

Answer 7

I think I can remember smearing petroleum jelly over the chosen 'mould' or template before covering with several layers of paper strips, and using wallpaper paste to soak the paper.

Answer 8

Ha, I know one! (but I am an absolute loser when it comes handicrafts, so please do not angry when the result is hideous)
Paper mache half a blown up balloon. Let it dry out, fix the edsge so it's straight and you've got a bowl!

Answer 9

iroc70 post a good answer for this question, checking the details carefully.