Paper
mache is a type of paper craft which involves sticking pieces of paper
together with a wet paste. The term originated in France as “papier-mâché”,
though it is spelled in many different ways today. The original French
words mean “chewed paper,” which describes the appearance
of the craft in process.
The traditional liquid mix for paper mache is water and either flour
or some other starch. Today, many other liquids are also used, such
as wood glue or wallpaper paste. The important part is to get a high
level of viscosity and some amount of adhesion.
Paper mache commonly involves applying the strips of paper over some
sort of mold or armature. Examples of possible bases include balloons,
shoeboxes, chicken wire, and soda pop bottles. These may be used to
support the main portion of a project or simply its smaller detail elements.