Paper Mache

Perhaps "yummy" isn't the right word for this "recipe." However, even though this is a craft rather than a food, I wanted to post it so I will be able to find these directions in the future. This is the best paper mache I have used. It was smooth, smelled good, and dried very hard. I used it to make paper mache maracas by putting a light bulb inside a toilet paper tube (lightly taping it so it stays in place), stuffing the tube with newspaper, then covering the entire thing with paper mache. Once you have a few coats of paper mache (letting it dry thoroughly between coats), then carefully break the light bulb by tapping that end of the maraca against a hard surface--being careful not to break the paper mache open. It worked great! I still need to paint mine--but this is how they look after the paper mache has dried.

Cooked Paper Mache Paste Recipe

Water
Flour
Salt
Cinnamon

(I used 1 cup flour mixed with 1 cup water which I added to 4 cups boiling water along with about 2 tablespoons salt and about 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon.)

Instructions:

To make this paper mache paste, you need 1 part flour to 5 parts water. Start out by putting 4 parts water into a pot on the stove and bring it to a boil. While you are waiting for it to boil, mix 1 part flour to 1 part warm water. Beat this mixture briskly to remove lumps.

Once your pot of water is boiling, slowly stir in the water and flour mixture. Mix well and let it boil for 2 - 3 minutes. It should be smooth and have the constancy of thick glue. If necessary, you can add more water or glue in small amounts until you get the desired consistency.

A few helpful tips I have read in regards to using this paste are:

• If you live in an area with high humidity, add a few tablespoons of salt to help prevent mold.

• If you don't like the smell of the glue mixture you can add a few sprinkles of cinnamon to sweeten it up!

You should be able to store this glue in a covered bowl or jar, in the refrigerator, for a few days.