A DIY Paper Mache Flowering Cactus
With recycled newspaper and a little paper mache we will transform our rubbish into a lovely flowering Cactus that never needs watering.
Forget the green thumb run to the studio to plant his cute cactus. This creative cactus is simple whimsypapermache and perfect for beginners.
This paper mache project will take 3 to 4 days considering the dry time of the piece.
Quick List
Recycled Newspaper
Paper Mache Paste
Paper Clay (Optional)
Paints and Paint Brushes
Glue Gun (optional)
H20 and Rags
Smile Helps
Creating Your Flowering Cactus Armature
1 Build Your Armature
Start by wading up newspaper into a ball and tape secure. Glue your newspaper ball onto the bottom of a empty coke bottle.
2 Paper Mache Strips and Paste
Cover the Cactus with 3 to 4 layers of paper mache and newspaper soaked in your homemade paper mache paste.
While stripping make sure all the air bubbles are worked out to prevent air pockets from forming as the paper dries.
While stripping make sure all the air bubbles are worked out to prevent air pockets from forming as the paper dries.
Your Cactus must be completely dried before adding more paper mache.
If you feel your cactus is not strong enough add more paper mache paste and paper, set aside and let it completely dry.
All layers do not have to be done in one setting but once you stop for the day the pepper must be allowed to completely dry before starting a new paper mache session.
Paper Clay: If you prefer you can use paper clay about 1/4 inch thick over the cactus and let that completely dry. Paper
Clay Recipe: http://goo.gl/xoTFbJ
Quick Link to Paper Mache Paste Recipe
3. Paint the Flowering Cactus
Paint a white coat of paint on your cactus to give you a white canvas for painting on. I used white interior flat paint as my base coat.
Once the base coat as dried paint with acrylics anyway you like. Let this completely dry.
You must seal your paper mache pieces with varnish for protection. Varnish comes in a spray can in gloss or stain, spray on 3 to 4 coats and let it dry.
A Carefree Way to Decorate Your Home
This is just one way to make a lovely flowering cactus plant to decorate your pad; we would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions and can't wait to see your Flowing Paper Mache Cactus. Thanks for stopping by the studio, have a AWESOME weekend.
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