Customer Reviews

The Art and Craft of Papier Mache

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful book that teaches you everything you need to know about making papier mache objects. Throughout the book you find many full-color photos of beautiful and unique artwork.

The book starts out with a brief history of papier mache as well as discussion of modern folk art practices. Then equipment and supplies, including choosing a mold, are covered. Several techniques including pulp making, covering a mold, using a wire armature, forming a plaster mold, creating a lino print, using a gesso base and adding a rim, handle or spout are explained. Instructions are step-by-step and include simple illustrations.

The techniques are then used in the projects. The projects include a box with lid, frame, plaque, bangle bracelet, hat, carnival mask, doll and figure. The projects are not "do exactly as I do". There are no templates and such. They simply give you basics of construction and allow you to add your own personality and creativity to the artwork.

Conveniently, there is a glossary and index as well as a list of addresses for all of the artists (most are British) in the back. If you are looking for great easy-to-follow instructions and lots inspiration this is the book for you.

I would recommend any of Juliet Bawdens books. While in a friend art store a few years ago I saw some bowls like the ones Ms Bawden makes and was intrigued and I admit I said to myself that I could make similar bowls. Had I had this book to begin with I also admit that the journey would have been much easier. I also like the fact that you can use things around the home or inexpensive items as molds. Be it deflate type balls, big cones, or even balloons blown up. And if you take the time and are willing to follow her wisdom you will discover you can make high end pieces that would fit in well within any quality home.

After picking up this book I became enthralled with papier mache. (BTW, Angel wrote a very accurate review!) This book touches on a variety of techniques for both small and large papier mache objects. The supplies needed are listed clearly, the photographs of the project representing each technique are inspiring, and the instructions are easy to follow while still allowing for experimentation and personal expression. This is just an awesome book!

Beautiful examples, very clear instructions with drawings of the steps. First 66 pages are all on techniques. The rest gets into actual things to make like bowls, frames, jewelry etc. Quite an inspiration.

Great book!
I love the pictures, especially pages 128 &129 of the life size paper mache people. They are awesome!
The recipe for pulp is the best I have ever used.

See my review of "Papier Mache Style" by Alex MacCormick with photos by Michael Harvey as a comparison for this book "The Art and Craft of Papier Mache" which approaches the medium differently in terms of the book's design and typography. It has beautiful illustrations of artworks and craft items, including a commentary approach to explain how they were created. I gave the book 5 stars because I find it inspiring for both its projects and basic information on the versatility of papier mache. It's just I feel too much attention was paid to the "fanciness" of the book itself (think typograhy, layout, etc.) rather than on the subjects of the book. It's got some fantastic ideas well worth the purchase. And it is complementary to "Papier Mache Style." I would encourage you to have both but if I could only get one, I would choose "Papier Mache Style" as the first.

Encountered this book in my local library and knew I wanted my own copy. It offers instruction and wonderful photos...almost a coffee table book in that respect. It gave history, methods and modes, and I am very glad I purchased it.