Crêpe Paper Modeling

makes unusual sculptures

MATERIALS

2 cups (500 ml) crêpe paper, confetti-sized

1 T. (15 ml) salt

1 cup (250 ml) flour

water

oil cloth or plastic table cover

plastic wrap or wax paper

bowl

shellac (optional)

PROCESS

1. cover table with plastic or oilcloth
2. tear crêpe paper into tiny confetti-sized pieces
3. place in a bowl
4. add enough water to cover crêpe paper
5. soak 15 minutes until soft
6. mix flour and salt together
7. add enough flour-salt mixture to crêpe paper to make a stiff dough
8. knead the mixture
9. cover a bowl or dish with wax paper or plastic
10. cover this mold with crêpe paper clay
    hint: make a thick layer, smoothing around the edges of the mold
11. let dry for 2 days to harden
12. remove bowl from mold and paint, if desired
13. shellac will give a high gloss and preserve project

VARIATIONS

use crêpe paper clay -

• over a mold such as balls of newspaper
• over tubes of newspaper forming an animal shape or other sculpture shape
• over a wire form or other armature