Tutorial for Paper Mache Handprint

Use Egg Cartons to Make a Thrifty Keepsake

Apr 15, 2008 Melissa Howard

Use recycled egg cartons to make keepsake impressions of your children's hands.

Supplies

cardboard egg cartons
blender
white glue
plaster
plastic wrap
bleach, clove oil, or tea tree oil
twine or other cord
paint
acrylic spray finish

Instructions

Tear egg cartons into one-inch pieces until you have approximately 12 cups worth of torn egg carton pieces
Place the egg carton pieces into a bowl and cover with water.
Let soak over night.
Drain the water off.
Place one or two cups worth of egg carton (depending on the size and power of your blender) and cover with hot water. Blend into a pulp.
Pour the pulp into a colander and let it drain.
Continue blending up the egg carton until all of it is turned into pulp.
Allow the pulp to drain well but not to become dry. You should be able to squeeze it and get water to run out of it.
Add ½ to 1 cup of white glue and ½ to 1 cup of plaster to the pulp. (a teaspoon of bleach or a few drops of clove oil or tea tree oil can be added at this time to prevent mold and deter pests) Use your hands to mix it in.
Test the pulp. Make an impression in it and see if the impression holds its shape. If the impression holds its shape and doesn’t collapse or crack, your paper mache is a good consistency. If it collapses, try draining off some of the liquid and perhaps add a bit of chalk. If it cracks, you paper mache is too dry. Try adding some water or more glue.
Once your paper mache is a good consistency, prepare your mold. Pick a pan that is at least 2 inches deep and large enough to accommodate a hand spread out. Line the entire pan with plastic wrap, making sure to tuck the wrap underneath the outside of the container.
Fill the pan with your paper mache. Press it into the corners and use your hands to smooth the surface.
Have your child press their handprint deeply into the pulp.
Put your handprint in an out-of-the-way place to dry. If possible, have a fan blow across the surface of the paper mache.
Check the paper mache periodically. After 12-36 hours, depending on temperature and humidity, your handprint will be firm enough to unmold. You will know it is ready to unmold when the surface is dry to the touch and is firm under gentle pressure.
Use the edges of the plastic wrap and gently lift the handprint out. Leave the plastic wrap beneath the handprint but pull the plastic wrap away from the sides of the plaque. Allow the handprint to dry for another 12 hours or more.
Now the handprint is sturdy enough to turn over. Let the handprint dry completely; turn the handprint frequently.
Make some more paper mache (making a half batch or even a quarter batch so that you can avoid having leftover paper mache).
Cut out an eight- to ten-inch length of twine. Make a loop. Use masking tape to tape the ends of the loop to the back of the handprint, leaving a nice length above the handprint for a hanger.
Cover the back of the handprint with a layer of paper mache, making sure to firmly encase the loop. Allow to dry completely.

Painting Your Handprint

Decide on a base color and paint the entire front and back of the plaque. This will probably need to be done several times, as the surface is very porous and absorbs the paint.
Use an alternate color to paint the hand. Several coats will probably be necessary for this step as well.
Once you are satisfied with the appearance of your handprint, spray with several coats of clear acrylic finish and enjoy.

Ideas and Suggestions

Do not limit yourself to handprints; make footprints of your children too.
Do a hand-in-hand print. Make an impression of your hand and then make an impression of your child’s hand inside your handprint.
Don’t forget to write or paint the names and dates for the handprints on the back of the plaque.
The handprints make great gifts for Mom or Grandma on Mother’s Day or Grandparent’s Day (or even Christmas).

The copyright of the article Tutorial for Paper Mache Handprint in Crafts is owned by Melissa Howard. Permission to republish Tutorial for Paper Mache Handprint in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.