Friday, May 15, 2009

Egg Carton Papier-Mâché DIY

The technique of using egg cartons to make papier-mâché should particularly inspire those of us who make recycling part of our everyday philosophy. It's a truly ecological technique that is glue-free, an idea that's already there in the egg cartons.

This technique was tested by Emmanuelle and documented in her blog Et moi alors dans tout ça !.

Emmanuelle was a little disappointed because she didn't have enough time to explore all of the possibilities this idea presents, but she will try again and pass along some more of her tips. You should try this technique, too, and let us know how it turns out!

Supplies

Materials

  • Cardboard egg cartons (of several colors)
  • Water
  • Cellophane wrap

Tools

  • To mix: a mini hand chopper or a food processor but not a blender
  • Large mixing bowl

papier mache oeufs

Instructions

Paste

  • Cut the egg cartons, by hand, into small pieces.

papier mache oeufs

  • Place the pieces in a large mixing bowl and cover them completely with water. Let them soak for at least one night.
  • Using a food processor or hand chopper, mix the content of the bowl without losing any of the water, because otherwise your paste will be too thick and you won't be able to work with it.
    NB:
    Don't force your mixer, you might break it!

papier mache oeufs

  • Only when you have a thick, homogeneous paste can you drain any excess water.

Creation of objects

Here are two tested projects:

  • Coat method:
    • Cover a base (e.g. a plate) with cellophane to ensure an easy removal of your finished project.
    • Coat the base with your paper paste, pressing it down firmly with the palm of your hand.
    • Let it sun-dry.
    • Remove it.

papier mache oeufs

papier mache oeufs

  • Model method:
    • Create the desired shape by molding the paste with your hands after you've squeezed out as much water as possible from the paste.
    • Let it sun-dry (allowing for more or less time based on the thickness of the object).

papier mache oeufs

papier mache oeufs

Final touches

You can either keep the original, rough aspect of your creation or let your imagination run wild with decorating ideas.

Source: Et moi alors dans tout ça !



:laura:

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