Papier-mache is easy to make with ingredients from around the home. With it, you can create lightweight, custom shapes of all kinds, including giant mushrooms. If you want to decorate a Wonderland-themed party or make a portable prop for a play, use papier-mache to make them.
Things You'll Need
Newspaper
Recycled cylindrical container
Plastic bag
Masking tape
Cardboard
Aluminum foil
Papier-mache paste
Acrylic paints
Paint sealant
Artist's paintbrushes, various sizes
Step 1: The Mushroom Stem
The item you use for your stem depends on the shape and size of the mushroom you're making. Make the stem from a recycled cylinder-shaped container, such as an empty aluminum can, a paper towel roll, an empty paint can or a barrel.
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Step 2: The Mushroom Cap
- Cut a circle from thick card stock that is several inches larger in diameter than your cylinder shape.
- Squash aluminum foil loosely into a sausage shape, and glue it around the edge of the cardboard circle to create a thick rim.
- Flip the card over so the rim is on the bottom.
- Fill a plastic shopping bag with scrunched-up newspaper until it is at your desired thickness. Use a larger bag, like a trash bag, if you are creating a particularly large mushroom.
- Tie the bag securely; then glue it onto the center of the card.
- Use masking tape to squish the cap into a dome shape. Wrap pieces of tape all the way around the cap, over the plastic bag, and stick the ends to the bottom of the card.
- Shape the tape over the rim each time, but don't attach the ends to the rim.
- Repeat these steps until you're happy with the shape of the cap. You don't have to cover the entire cap with masking tape, but make sure the bag is relatively stable in the center of the card.
Step 3: The Papier-Mache Glue
You have several options for papier-mache glue.
- Mix equal parts of school glue and water in a bowl.
- Use non-toxic liquid starch.
- Use wallpaper glue.
- Mix a
tablespoon of cornstarch into a ¼ cup of water, stir well; then add
this mixture to 2 cups of boiling water. The mixture will form a gel. Wait until the gel has
cooled before use.
Step 4: Layering the Paper
- Tear newspaper sheets into long strips and dip them in your chosen paste.
- You may need to use fairly wide strips at the start to help shape the cap of your mushroom. These strips should be as long as possible to reach all the way across the cap.
- Wrap the strips from the rim, directly over the top of the plastic bag, to the rim on the other side of the cap.
- Add strips of paper until the cap is completely covered with two or three layers.
- Allow the paper to dry completely.
- Now, place your cap on top of the cylinder-stem. Attach the cap to the cylinder with masking tape.
- Start adding newspaper strips, a few layers at a time, to cover every part of the mushroom.
- Continue until you are pleased with the shape of the mushroom.
Tip
Always let the layers dry out before starting the next set. If you add too many layers at once, the paper might not dry completely and it may grow mold or disintegrate.
Step 5: Paint the Mushroom
- Using a thick, white acrylic paint, cover the entire mushroom.
- Allow the paint to dry.
- Now, paint your mushroom with your chosen colors. Polka dots on the cap resemble a toadstool appearance.
- Once the paint is completely dry, finish the mushroom with either matte or gloss sealant.
Tip
Your mushroom will not be waterproof after this treatment. If you want to keep your mushroom outside, you will need to use marine-grade varnish as a sealant.
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