Necklace made with paper mache pulp beads
Papier Mâché isn't just about strips of paper but can also be made into a pulp for modelling and the end results are lightweight. It can be a little fiddly but once you get the hang of it you could try making a beaded necklace. This would be fun for dressing up or as a Mother's Day present.
Time: 45 minutes plus overnight soaking and then overnight drying.
Age: Over 10's
Level: Hard (but not too hard)
Materials
Method
Rip up some newspaper and put in a large container.
Fill the container with water and leave to soak overnight. This will soften up the newspaper.
Newspaper soaking in water
Drain the water and then start to knead and break the newspaper apart with your fingers. The idea is to break down the fibres of the newspaper, turning it into a pulp.
Add a large dollop of wallpaper paste and mix thoroughly.
Keep adding wallpaper paste until you get a good modelling consistency.
Paper mache pulp
Form balls from the pulp to make beads.
Use a knitting needle to pierce a hole all the way through the beads.
A knitting needle is perfect for forming the holes
Paint the papier mâché beads.
Thread the ribbon through a needle and then through each bead.
Thread the beads onto a ribbon
You could also try making a pendant shape to hang in the middle.
I'm sure any mum would be proud to be given this necklace
