Giant Paper Mache Cactus

Can't afford a giant cactus then make one.

Posted by pillarboxblue

About

I can’t justify the cost of buying a giant cactus, real or artificial and I don’t have the greenest of fingers. Therefore I decided that the only way I was going to get a giant cactus was by making one. As this was a fun decor piece I decided to pimp my paper mache cacti with paper napkins. So I now have a fantastic Marimekko giant cactus and a giant pear cactus.

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You Will Need (8 things)

  • Large wooden Stick
  • Plaster Of Paris
  • Bucket
  • Newspapers
  • PVA Glue
  • Paper Napkins I used Marimekko ones
  • Chicken Wire
  • Masking Tape

Steps (6 steps, 180 minutes)

  1. 1

    You will need to make a solid frame for your cactus. To do this first set your large wooden stick in plaster of paris in a bucket.

  2. 2

    Shape the chicken wire into a cactus shape on your wooden frame.

  3. 3

    Cover your chicken wire in stripes of masking tape, this makes it easier for the newspaper to adhere to. Cut your newspaper into strips approximately 3cm X 20cm. Paste the PVA glue onto the newspaper strips and stick to the frame until covered.

  4. 4

    Once dry, dilute your PVA glue 2 parts glue to 1 part water. Cut your tissue paper into strips approx 3cm X 10cm. This time paint the diluted glue onto the newspaper layer and then place the tissue paper on top until completely covered. Leave to dry

  5. 5

    For the final paper mache layer use paper napkins. Most napkins are 3 ply, separate out your napkins so you only use the top printed ply. This time don’t cut your napkins into strips but tear them so you get a feathered edge. Using the same glue mixture and method with the tissue cover your cactus in the napkins.

  6. 6

    Finally when the napkin layer is dry cover the whole cactus with waterproof PVA to provide it with a protective finish. Water proof PVA glue is thicker than normal PVA so it's best to apply with a foam brush so as not to tear the napkins. This PVA appear white when applied but don’t worry as it dries clear.