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