Thursday, February 2, 2012

Fabric Mache

For the last couple of days I have been thinking about making some containers to sit on the desk my husband just built me.

But what kind? Crochet? Too soft. Glass? Too commercial. Paper Mache? Yeah, that might work. After all I have a ton of pages from making a hollow book (a future post!) and a kindle cover. But first I needed to organize my new desk and fabrics. As I was sorting through scraps I wondered, can I paper mache with fabric?!? That would be so awesome!

So........I gave it a shot!


This is the finished product.


Want to make your own? Keep reading!


Supplies:
  1. Fabric Scraps, I cut mine in strips but any shape/size will work.
  2. Equal parts Elmer's Glue and water
  3. Cling wrap
  4. Glad Wrap Press And Seal (optional)
  5. A dish to use as a mold 
Step One: Gather your supplies. You will need a decent sized work space.
Step Two: Cover your work space. I used Glad Pres' N Seal so it would not slip around.




Step Three: Cover your bowl/dish with cling wrap. I reinforced the cling wrap with tape on the inside of the dish.







Step Four:  Dilute your glue with equal amounts of water. I mixed mine in a measuring cup. It made it easier to pour the left over back in the bottle. Waste not, want not.





Step Five: Thoroughly wet fabric strips in glue mixture and begin laying them over the cling wrapped dish. For the first layer lay the fabric color or print side down. This way the inside of your dish is as pretty as the outside. Tip: Run your fingers down the fabric to remove any excess glue.






Continue laying fabric strips in this manner until the whole dish is covered. Be sure to overlap and smooth out the edges. Then let dry. I used a small fan to speed things along.


Step Six: Once the first layer of strips is tacky to the touch start on the second layer. You will be applying these strips print or color side up. Be sure to layer them in opposite direction from the first layer. This will help make the dish stronger.



Step Seven: Let dry and repeat step six for a third layer.




Now, allow the whole dish to dry thoroughly. Mine took about 3 hours. Once dry gently lift off of the "mold". Trim the edges and spray it all over with a water proof sealant (optional).


Ta-da!