This manufacturing technique is very interesting and has many variations. This is a great way to make a souvenir for relatives or friends, different sculptures or masks. But the most difficult and exciting process is making dolls from papier mache with their own hands. Due to the fact that the surface can be boldly smoked after drying, it turns out very smooth, thus creating the effect of ivory or porcelain. In its own way, the texture of the non-cured surface is interesting: it can be used to imitate leather or wood.
Making dolls from papier mache is a long and creative process. You will need some knowledge and skills. Especially important is accuracy and accuracy in everything. Dolls and other items made from papier mache are made in two techniques. Matting involves sticking layers of paper on the model. After completely drying it is cut into two halves and removed from the mold. Then pasted in butt. This produces a complete mold of the required shape.
The first layer is applied without glue, it is often replaced with a food film. And already all subsequent layers are smeared with glue. If the model is made of foam or other light material, you can not even take off the finished product from the mold.
Preparing a mass of papier mache for a doll with your own hands
For modeling, a homogeneous mass is prepared according to a special recipe. It is necessary to take a paper with a rather loose structure. Ideal for napkins or plain toilet paper. The paper is impregnated with glue and kneaded to a homogeneous mass. To the touch, the mass resembles clay for molding. It is used for the manufacture of small parts. It is also possible to set the volume at the expense of layers. Layers should be made very thin, so that everything has to dry well and not rot.
Water-soluble adhesives are best for cooking: paste flour, PVA, joinery glue. Due to moisture, they soak up the paper well. Experts often use whole mixtures of several ingredients. Flour paste in equal proportions mixed with a glue of PVA or joinery glue. If you make a mass only on the PVA glue, it will be quite stiff. This mixture is difficult to coat, it dries for a long time.
How to make a doll made of papier mache?
The articulated papier mache doll looks very impressive. Often such dolls are made in the form of elves or fairies. In order to learn how to make such a doll, you will have to train long enough. The most difficult moment is the head of a papier mache doll. Traditionally, the head is made in the technique of matting. In this case, about 10 layers are applied. This method is suitable for making large dolls for the theater. But as a result, facial features will turn out to be rather generalized and rude. A fragile articulated papier mache doll of small sizes is made in a different technique. Some craftsmen have mastered a more complicated way - carving. This allows you to make more clear and delicate features.
In any case, always begin work with a sketch. It is necessary to observe all the proportions of the body. Even fantasy dolls are made only according to preliminary drawings. Of course, you can not waste time and start making "by sight", but no one
Even the most careful work will not look elegant and effective, if you do not pick up simple fabrics for dressing dolls. Very beautiful look fabrics with bright decorative finish, interesting texture, complex color. Puppet mache dolls are not just a gift. This is a piece of decor for each room, which means that you need to choose a fabric with a special passion.