Paper mache literally means “Chewed Paper”, “Mashed paper”or “Pulped paper” is a composite material consist of paper pieces or pulp, some reinforced with textile, bound with an adhesive like glue, starch or wallpaper paste.
Origin of Paper Mache
Despite the french sounding name, it did not originated in France till mid 17th century. However France was the first country to do so. Papier-mâché/ Papier Mache originates from China, the inventors of Paper itself. Papier Mache was used to make helmets of all things dating back to Hans Dynasty (BC 202 – AD 220). From China interest was spread to Japan & Persia. Papier Mache was used in making Mask, ornaments and other festival activities. Eventually from there it spread to rest of the world.
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Some Interesting Facts
- Irish Mac called Isaac Weld made a boat from Papier Mache & he sailed the lake of Killarney.
- In 1833 Charles Frederick Bielefeld built prefabricated cottages & ten room villa for client and his party to occupy on arrival. In 1853 Charles published a book titled "Portable Buildings" which included plates illustrating the various home designs he had available.
- Until 1970’s Papier Mache was used for casting moulds for daily newspapers.
- In India Durgapuja, goddess “Durga” idols are made of Papier Mache.
- French physicist Louis Thomas Jerome Auzoux (1797 – 1880) inspired from paper mache dolls. In 1822 he received his medical degree and he gave first anatomical figure of Male to Paris Academy of Medicine. Five years later he opens factory to manufacture human, veterinary and botanical papier Mache models.
- Church made in Norway survived 40 years before it was demolished.
Recipes / Ingredients used in past & some patented:
- Resin: For smooth surface.
- Potash: To neutralise the acidity of pulp or to act as deterrent against insects and rodent
- Tobacco leaves: was used sometime by german doll makers.
- Garlic: insect repellent. Cinnamon or cloves to eliminate smell of garlic !!
- Isinglass: or Pure Gelatine, used in Britain as bonding agent.
- Rice Flour: Originated in India.
- Rye Meal: Originated in Germany
- Mashed Potato: sometime added in 19th Century (Britain)
- Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower - Johnson and Maloney (British) had a patent on this recipe. (Patented receipe)
Well ! We will stick to traditional way of Making Papier Mache. The potential of papier mache is limitless. All we need is some time to learn fundamentals of Papier Mache, Glue and some old newspapers.
Learn to make Papier-mâché object, wall hanging and many more objects for home decor or just for fun ! With easy step-by-step instructions you will make a very inexpensive objects that you can use for years.
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