Delhi had one shop full of Kashmiri artifacts, and nestling among them were bright coloured boxes and fancy little balls. These were such fabulous decorative pieces in a range of colours, which were extremely light, but sturdy items made of paper. The art of 'papier mache' (derived from the French meaning chewed paper) is extremely popular in Kashmir where they make exquisite vases, wall decorative plates, and a whole range of fancy items with it.

To go back to its history, this art was discovered by some Chinese prisoners when they were captured during the war between China and Persia. They taught this art to the local craftsman in Persia, and the art spread slowly. I tried my hand at it. For my son's birthday, I made pencil cases for all the kids, and gave it away as return presents. It was a great hit with them. You can make a whole lot of things with it, like toys, masks, dolls, vases, fake fruits, or any thing you fancy. Papier-mache is extremely mouldable just like clay. You can make just about anything you feel like.

What You Need
Water
Flour
Fevicol
Newspaper
Paints

For the paste
1 cup water
1/4 cup flour

• Mix flour into 1 cup of water until the mixture is thin and runny. Boil it for a few minutes till it thickens lightly. Cool it and use.

• Another method is to bring one cup of water to boil in a small saucepan. In another container, mix 3 tablespoons of flour and 1/3 cup of cold water to a smooth consistency. Pour the flour and water into the boiling water. Stir until it thickens. Allow the paste to cool before you use it.

Method

• Your old newspapers come in handy. Take a few of them. Shred them into pieces. Put them in a bucket of water and let it soak for a while.

• After it has completely soaked, take it out, squeeze out the excess water and use. You can even churn it in the mixie before using it so that the paper is nicely mashed.

• Now add the flour paste to the paper mash and mix well.

• Take an old bowl. With a little Fevicol, stick the paper mash and cover the outer of the bowl completely with it and let it dry. Apply a thick layer evenly. Drying takes quite some time, may be three to four days. After it is completely dry, you will be able to remove the old bowl.

• Paint the papier-mache bowl with the colours of your choice, and it is now ready.