types of paper to use for paper mache

December 3, 2015
 
Soft thin paper works best for small paper mache projects because you want the paper to mold easily to your form. In the picture to the left you can see a phone book, newsprint and adding machine paper. 
Tissue paper is excellent for covering delicate areas where you do not want much bulk.

form for pig mask

This form uses part of an ice cream carton and some scrap Styrofoam. I used hot glue to attach the Styrofoam.


I can cut or break off the side pieces of Styrofoam to create the jowls and the mouth before I begin adding paper.

ice cream carton and Styrofoam

I started to attach the ears with paper strips from the adding machine roll.

I was only able to add the first layer of strips before everything started moving around and becoming sticky, so I set it aside and went back to work on the other mask.