Cardboard Paper Mache

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Do you have excessive amounts of cardboard left over from the holiday season? Learn how to transform your cardboard clutter into a strong and versatile sculpting material with just a few simple steps. Visit our past exhibition, Elevated Corrugated, to gather some additional ideas on how to repurpose cardboard for art.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Gather discarded or pressed cardboard.
  • Remove tape, plastic, and other materials which may prevent the cardboard from successfully absorbing water.
• Grab a mixing container and soak cardboard overnight, using enough water to fully submerge the cardboard.
• Strip, break down, and agitate cardboard further until water has penetrated thoroughly.
• Drain all the water from your container.
  • Squeeze pieces of cardboard to extract excess water.
    • If you have any cheesecloth available, you might use it here to really squeeze out extra moisture.
  • Remove any missed bits (tape pieces, staples, etc.); small pieces of colored paper are OK.
• Place your lump of cardboard back into your container and begin adding glue and oil.
  • Suggested measurements: 1/3 cup of glue; 2 tablespoons of oil.
    • Feel free to personalize your ratio.
    • More glue will make a stiffer mixture; more oil—runnier.
• Mix your contents for approximately 10-15 minutes.
  TIP: Using a power mixer will help a lot.
• When you are satisfied with your mixture’s consistency, begin molding it or applying it to an armature.
  • For best results, apply 1/2–3/4 inches to your preferred surface.Allow the mixture to dry for about 24 hours.
• After the compound has hardened, scrape, paint, and detail as you wish.
• For ideas as to how to combine your homemade clay with other materials, view works by featured MCD artist Adam Shiverdecker, or try using premade dishware as a base to form the clay around.

RELATED RESOURCES

• Check out past MCD exhibiting artist Adam Shiverdecker’s work in the MCD Store!
• Find inspiration in how Jacqueline de la Fuente creates amazing vases out of cardboard and paper waste.