The Paper Mache Handbook
From Amazon Boxes to Heirloom Crafts.
Paper mache is simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. With the right paper, paste, and techniques, you can create beautiful, durable pieces you'll enjoy for years. Consider this your starting point—a foundation you can build upon with your own ideas, designs, and creativity.
Paper mache has been around for centuries, yet it's often dismissed as a children's craft. In reality, with the right materials and techniques, it becomes an incredibly versatile medium for creating beautiful, functional objects for the home.
Over the past several months I've tested dozens of combinations of cardboard, papers, glues, paints, and finishes to discover what works best - and just as importantly, what doesn't. This Primer will share the methods I use every day in my own studio. The aim here is to answer all your questions and help you make a choice of materials that suits you best.
All of our suggestions in this Handbook will help you make a sturdy foundation that will give you a a beautiful, long-lasting project.
The Basic Paper Mache Recipe
Cardboard
The framework that gives your project its shape. Explore the different types and weights to find the best fit for your design.
Paper
Cover your cardboard with the paper that best matches the look and finish you want to achieve.
Paste
Every strip is dipped in paste before it's applied, creating the bond that transforms separate pieces into one solid form.
A Pattern Download
JCampbell patterns make it easy to get started. Visit often as we continue to grow our library of Heirloom Crafts.
A Little Time
Slow down, enjoy the process, and spend a few relaxing hours creating something by hand.
Mix together with creativity and enjoy the process.
How Paper Mache Works
Every paper mache project follows the same simple process. Once you understand these six steps, you'll be able to create your own designs or follow one of our downloadable patterns with confidence.
Build the Structure
Create the basic form using cardboard or another suitable substrate. This framework determines the size and shape of your finished project. JCampbell offers downloadable patterns so you can start your project right away! Each Product Pattern offers a 2-page step-by-step instruction sheet and has lots of detailed photos illustrating the whole process. There are also many tips and tricks to up your paper mache game.
Mix Your Paste
Prepare your preferred paste using one of the recipes in this Handbook. Mix until smooth and easy to spread.
Apply the Paper
Tear your paper into strips or small pieces. Dip each piece into the paste, remove the excess, and overlap the pieces until the entire project is covered. Depending on your piece, this will be your longest hands-on part of making your piece. Make sure to cover the entire surface, inside and out, of your project.
One complete layer is usually all that's needed, but multiple layers will give you a more solid structure with lots of strength.
Let It Dry
Depending on your paste of choice, this can take anywhere from a couple hours to a day. Let the piece dry completely before sanding, trimming, or decorating.
Refine the Surface - optional
Trim rough edges and lightly sand if desired. Your project is now ready for paint, stain, wax, or a protective finish.
Enjoy the Creative Process
This is where your project truly becomes your own.
Once your piece is completely dry, lightly sand the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper. You don't need perfection—a light sanding simply softens the edges and creates a beautifully smooth(ish) surface that's ready for decorating.
From here, the possibilities are endless. Leave your piece natural, protect it with one of the finishes recommended in this Primer, or add color, patterns, and embellishments to reflect your own style. Paint the outside, decorate the inside, or do both!
Each of our downloadable workshops includes step-by-step instructions along with plenty of inspiration to help you create a piece that's uniquely yours.
Cardboard Options
Choose a paper that best suits your project and desired finish.
Julie's Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment. Some of my favorite discoveries came from testing everyday materials that weren't intended for paper mache.
Paper Options
Choose a paper that best suits your project and desired finish.
Paste Options
The glue is the magic—here are our favorites.
Ready to make your first project?
Visit the Paper Mache Workshops page and download a pattern with easy step-by-step instructions.
Tips for Success
- Tear paper instead of cutting whenever possible.
- Applying one layer of paper works perfectly. Each additional layer will give your piece more texture and strength.
- Smooth your wet paper mache strips with fingers while working.
- Allow projects to dry completely between major steps.
- Sand lightly before applying paint or decorative finishes.
The 'Easy' Factor
One thing I've heard over and over from people visiting my studio is, "That looks so much easier than I expected!" And they're right.
Paper mache doesn't require special tools or expensive materials. In fact, many of the supplies are probably already in your home. Base structures can come straight from your imagination or be built using simple downloadable patterns like the ones you'll find here at JCampbell.design. You can even cover existing things, like frames and pots, with a layer of paper mache to give it a new textured surface.
Is it difficult? No! The process is incredibly straightforward - simply build your structure (this is easy), apply a layer of paper mache (this is very easy, relaxing and fun), and then let it dry. The only real investment is minimal materials and a little patience.
Paper mache can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. You can create a set of coasters in an afternoon or spend weeks building an intricate sculpture. The techniques remain the same; only the size and complexity of your project change.
Don't let our photos of finished results fool you. Behind every beautiful paper mache piece is a surprisingly simple process that almost anyone can learn.
Remember... Everything we create here at JCampbell.design is designed to be simple, approachable, and make you feel good. We'll guide you every step of the way.
Decorating Options
Make it your own. The final finish is what transforms paper mache into heirloom-quality crafts.
Paint
Acrylic paints provide endless color possibilities and excellent coverage. House paint works fine too!
Stain
Watered-down stains create warmth and a naturally aged appearance.
Paper & Collage
After your paper mache layer has dried, you can decorate with vintage papers, book pages, tissue papers, napkins, or botanical prints.
Sealers
You don't really need to, but coating your finished project with matte, satin, or gloss sealers will give it extra protection and give it a more 'finished' look.
Metallic Finishes
Add gold leaf, metallic waxes, or metallic paints for a rich, elegant look.
Ink & Washes
Create soft antique finishes using diluted inks and layered washes. We will explore this more in the future and post our results here - make sure to come back and see updates!
Project Ideas
Here is a list of project that are soon to come. Use this list to inspire your paper mache imagination!
- Bowls
- Serving Trays
- Pots & Vases
- Picture Frames
- Boxes & Keepsake Jars
- Botanical Wall Art
- Seasonal & Holiday Projects
- Table setting place cards
- Coasters
- ...and much more!
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