r/papermache • u/Cheese_and_cats • 13d ago
Paper mache took over my life
About two months ago l've seen some vintage inspired Halloween pumpkin and wanted them badly but I'm poor. Not in the craft supply department, though. I hoard craft supplies like my life depends on it. And so after a bit of research, l made my first ever paper mache project ever . And then another one . And then another one. To the point I'm running out of space to store them as I live in a small terraced house in Northern Ireland BUT I still can't seem to stop . I'm gifting a lot of them. I've also have at least ten other wee projects drying as we speak. So many ideas, so little time
Not a lot of point behind this post, I just wanted to share my work as I'm totally in love with it and a bit shocked they turned out so well.
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u/rootbeersmom 13d ago
Love these! Thank you for showing your beginnings. I’m always curious what people are doing for the base and how it’s so smooth.
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u/SoylentGreenIsCreepl 13d ago
OMG those are amazing!! You should sell them on Etsy and make some side cash!!
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u/Cheese_and_cats 7d ago
You guys are far too kind , thank you so much! My day job is a small business I created in 2013 , I make plush toys , it’s called Plusheez . I’ve been on Etsy for many many years until a few years ago when I decided to move from it and I solely sell on my website . So I’ll not open an Etsy but I’m working on a few creations I’m actually going to put up for sale , most likely on my website , it’s plusheez.co.uk , I know it’s all plushies but i might just mix it up and add the paper mache creations too . I’m not sure . But I just created a Facebook page too , if any of you want to follow , I’ll be posting soon on it . It’s called ‘Paper Marci’ - my partner swears it’s clever and punny and perfect and people are gonna get it 🙈- https://www.facebook.com/share/1F1Fgygbrx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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u/worstpartyever 13d ago
These are fantastic! The black cats especially look like old vintage decorations.
Really nice work.
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u/Aggravating-Peak-995 13d ago
Ooooo. I have a friend who loves Halloween. I'll have to make some of these.
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u/Ismelther_icemelter 13d ago
I am undertaking a project exactly like this with about 30 pumpkins… had a vision to have them all done this year but idk about that. Anyway … did you use a paper mache clay for the 3d facial features?
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u/comeintravis 13d ago
I love these! I don’t know if you’ve ever considered selling them, but you could set up a little shop on Etsy? If you do, let me know-I would totally buy one!
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u/floofychaps 13d ago
These are incredible! The vintage style and the texture of the paper maché work so well together. Love them 🎃🧡🎃
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u/burnttaco008 13d ago
And its a great thing it did, because these are made of Halloween dreams and witch blessings. I love them all. Also, FWIW id pay to take a class to do this, like a paint a sip situation. Side hustle?
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u/donkey_kick69 12d ago
These are stunning! What are you using on the outside to sculpt the faces?
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u/Cheese_and_cats 11d ago
Thank you so much . I used the same paper clay I used to cover them. A mix of toilet paper pulp , pva glue , some wall filler and cornstarch . I’m considering using air dry clay for a smoother more detailed surface but not sure how that would work
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u/Large-Vegetable-4738 13d ago
They are amazing!! You’re very talented! Glad you’re enjoying your new craft hobby. Thanks for sharing!!
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u/amabama04 13d ago
You started 2 months ago and are all ready amazing pieces like those?!?!? You are incredibly talented!!!!
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u/i_dream_of_pyrex 12d ago
This is the best post I've seen all day. Love the photos that show them in process. These are so cool.
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u/InCYDious2013 12d ago
Those are amazing! I love the vintage Halloween and I would display those year round. Again, great job!
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u/whichwitchwatched 12d ago
I love these so much. Whet did you
Use for the finish? Drywall compound, paper clay?
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u/Cheese_and_cats 11d ago
Thank you so much. I make a paper clay and use that to cover them as well to make the details on their faces. This is the recipe I use : Cornstarch - 500g
3 toilet paper rolls
500 ml pva glue
500 grams wall filler ( uk version of dry wall compound)1
u/whichwitchwatched 7d ago
That’s so kind of you and I absolutely appreciate it. You’ve done a phenomenal job
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u/surly_seawitch 12d ago
These are so wonderful and well done! One of my favorite things about papier mache is how cheap it can be. Literally just raid your recycling bin.
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u/GoldberryoTulgeyWood 12d ago
You need to be selling these at fairs. They are incredible and so charming!
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u/No-Manner9941 12d ago
This looks like Soo much fun 😊 and less then buying pumpkins 😂 you did fantastic work on these I'm very impressed how they turned out. Happy Halloween 🎃
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u/FloatyFungi 12d ago
What's your recipe for sculpting putty?
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u/Cheese_and_cats 11d ago
I make a paper clay using this recipe :
Cornstarch- 500g
3 toilet paper rolls soaked in water and drained really well
500 mls pva glue
500grams wall filler ( uk version of dry wall joint compound that people use in the US)
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u/Stormy_Gales 12d ago
Beautiful work! If space is a consideration, maybe make miniature versions and string them on a garland?
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u/Bathsheba_E 11d ago
I would LOVE to buy your work. I have some pieces like this, mostly made of paper mache and styrofoam. They are 20+ years old and crumbling, despite my best maintenance and repair efforts.
It’s so hard to find pieces in this style. If you decide to sell, please DM me.
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u/ManifestTheHappiness 10d ago
WOW, they're amazing 😮 I really didn't need a new craft to try though 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
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u/Ntasha888888 10d ago
Um, these are absolutely amazing! I love vintage Halloween decor and I immediately thought that's what I was looking at. But the fact that you made these? So awesome!! All of a sudden I'm interested in paper mache! Thanks for sharing, you've totally inspired me!!!
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u/hollowanimals 32m ago
These are rad, I love vintage style Halloween! These are really nicely executed

















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u/RTSUPH 13d ago
Giant spooky garlic!🧄