DIY PAPER MACHE FRAME WITH STARS - trying new hobbies + less screen time

PROJECT: 
PAPER MACHE FRAME W/ STAR MOTIFS [ FITS 8X8 ARTWORK, WITH A 1.5” BORDER]

So I’ve been cleaning out my mom’s storage unit for what feels like forever. In it, I found so many art supplies and this craft book from 2006. It has 300 project tutorials with templates, so naturally, I decided that I will be entering a little side quest to make every. single. one of them.

I definitely have a phone addiction and my mom has a TON of art supplies, so this is a great way to combat both!

The goal is to make all of them and document it here for everyone. I’ll take one for the team and test these out, and give you my tips should you choose to make any of these.

Follow along with the full walkthrough on Youtube where I give you my thoughts on the first craft of this book.

PREP

Here is the instructions page from the book in case you want to try it as it is here. I plan to use what I own already, so I’m going to tweak this a little. And in case you're curious, you can find the original book instructions here.

Supplies Cardboard Template Masking Tape Soda Can Tab (Or Wire Or Yarn) Newspaper, Tissue Paper, Or Similar Polymer Clay Wallpaper Paste Or Flour Paste (Diy Or Store Bought) Acrylic Paint (White, Green, Blue) Clear Varnish / Paint Sealer Double Sided Tape

Equipment Pencil Ruler Craft Knife Cutting Mat Pliers (Optional) Paintbrushes Oven Hot Glue Gun

First things first. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND TAKE NOTES! Please.

One thing I’ve learned from having a phone addiction is that my reading comprehension skills for recipes or instructions have gone out the window. I’m trying to change that. I’m trying to be more mindful and present with the task that’s in front of me.

So. Read these 3 times , take notes, and then let’s get started.

INSTRUCTIONS

CARDBOARD FRAME

1. Copy the measurements on the template onto your cardboard using a ruler.
2. Place your cutting mat (or something to protect your work surface) under your cardboard. Cut out the middle of the frame and set it aside. Cut out the outside of the frame now to make it easier to score.
3. Score the sides of the frame that will be folded in. Be careful to not cut through.
4. Fold in each flap and tape it with masking tape. Tape all of the frame carefully to make a smooth paper mâché application later. Make sure you tape the corners with the holes very well as well.
5. If you want to hang this, bend your soda tab just slightly so that it can be hung up. Not at a 90 degree angle, just a bit off is enough. Tape it very well to the back of the frame, making sure it’s centered. You can also do this with string, rope, or wire. Set the frame aside for now.

STAR MOTIF

1. Condition your polymer clay well to make it easier to work with. Take a small amount of clay and make it into a little ball.
2. Start to pinch the sides to make the points of the star. Once you have the general shape of a star, you can smooth it out and start to perfect the shape.
3. Place the star on the frame to make sure it is a good size for it, and then repeat this step until you have however many stars you desire.
4. Place all of the stars on your frame and make sure it looks pretty balanced. Make any adjustments as needed.
5. Bake your stars for 260-275F for 45 minutes, depending on your oven. (Place the stars on a baking tray that you will not use for food.)
6. Once they’re fully baked set these aside to cool.
7. Once cooled, place the stars on your frame to make sure you map out your design.
8. Then, using your hot glue gun, glue the stars onto your frame. If you make a mistake, you can peel off the star from the frame without causing any damage due to the frame being fully taped.

PAPER MACHE

1. Cut your newspaper/tissue paper/recycled paper into small squares and strips (1-2in)
2. Cover the entire frame in paper mache.

• • Dip on square or strip into the paste mixture, then place it on your frame.
  • Use a brush to help flatten the paper onto the frame, applying more paste if needed until it’s soaked and staying put.
  • Do 2 layers of this, making sure they dry in between and that there are no air bubbles. Let the frame dry fully for 1-2 days.

PAINT AND SEAL

1. Once your frame is fully dry, prime it with white paint.
2. Let that fully dry and then you can start painting it as you wish. I chose do blue stars and a green frame.
3. Once the painting is fully dry again, seal it with your choice of clear varnish. I’m using a clear protective spray paint. This step can be skipped, but I highly encourage you to always seal your work as your art can get damaged with time.

FRAME YOUR ARTWORK

1. To protect your art and the frame, tape the edges and corners edges of your art and the edges of where the artwork goes on the frame.
2. Once that layer of tape is there, place double sided tape on the frame and then place your artwork on top of it. Press down firmly to make sure they have stuck well to each other.

Ta Da!

You are all done. Hang or leave on a surface, show it off to the world. My frame has been on my wall for 2 weeks now and hasn’t fallen off, so that’s a great sign! I think I have a new obsession. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Tag us in your creations!