How to make kid-safe paper-maché paste at home using starch

Are you a DIYer?  Do you get satisfaction from making decorations by repurposing things you already have in your house for little money?  Then paper mache may be just the thing for you!  

An easy craft, the technique of paper mache has actually been around for over a thousand years!  The Chinese during the Han dynasty appeared to be the first to use paper-maché around 200 AD, not long after they learned how to make paper. They used this method to make items such as warrior helmets, mirror cases, snuff boxes, or ceremonial masks.  Relics of paper mache can be found throughout history in cultures all over the world from painted boxes made in Japan, China, and India to decorative shields from Persia and Pakistan, to dolls from Russia, and masks and religious ceremonial items from Mexico.  Paper mache is still used to this day for theatrical purposes to create scenery and masks because it is economical and lightweight.  But most of all, as a DIYer, paper mache is fun!  It is also easy enough for children to do.

There are 2 techniques that are most prevalent for doing paper mache:  One involves placing strips of newspaper over a form that are dipped in a liquid starch mixture and left to harden in that shape.  The other involves emulsifying shredded newspaper and mixing it with a liquid starch mixture, shaping the emulsified newspaper into a form and leaving it to dry.  Either way, the things you can create with paper mache using newspaper and Simpli Starch® are endless!  Let your imagination soar!  

Instructions:

Technique #1:  (Using newspaper strips and balloon)

1. Cut newspaper into 2-inch-wide strips.
2. Blow up a large balloon and tie it. Place it in a cardboard ring, tied end down.
3. Prepare liquid Simpli Starch® mixture:
1. Pour 8 cups of water into a bowl.
2. Add 1 cup of Simpli Starch® to the water in the bowl or 1-part Simpli Starch® to 8 parts water.
3. Mix vigorously in circular motion making sure to mix in the bottom until starch thickens into smooth liquid.
4. Dip newspaper strips into liquid Simpli Starch® mixture in a large bowl.  Make sure all surfaces are covered. Smooth off excess mixture.
5. Place newspaper strips all over the balloon overlapping slightly, making sure to cover all surfaces of the balloon. 
6. Once covered, take a short break before putting on the next layer of newspaper strips. Repeat this until you have put on 5-6 layers of newspaper strips.
7. Let the balloon with newspaper dry overnight.
8. Once the paper mache is dry, while holding the balloon by the tied end and squeezing it shut, make a little hole in the balloon with scissors.  Slowly let out some of the air.  Be careful not to let the air out too fast as you don’t want the paper mache to crack.  When the balloon has deflated enough, pull it out of the paper mache.
9. The pinata, egg, or hot air balloon can now be painted!

Technique #2: (Using shredded newspaper and bowls or cups)

1. Put several handfuls of shredded newspaper in a large bowl.
2. Cover the shredded newspaper with water.  Squeeze the water through the shredded newspaper to soften it.
3. Using an immersion blender or food processor, grind the shredded newspaper and water until it is the consistency of a thick paste.
4. Using a sieve, squeeze handfuls of the shredded newspaper into the sieve to remove excess water.
5. Prepare liquid Simpli Starch® mixture:
1. Pour 8 cups of water into a bowl.
2. Add 1 cup of Simpli Starch® to the water in the bowl or 1-part Simpli Starch® to 8 parts water.
3. Mix vigorously in circular motion making sure to mix in the bottom until starch thickens into smooth liquid.
6. Put shredded newspaper back into large bowl and slowly add liquid Simpli Starch® mixture. Knead the newspaper to ensure that the liquid Simpli Starch® is evenly distributed.
7. Wipe oil onto the insides or outsides of bowls depending upon the size you want.  Rub oil on the outside of cups.
8. Press the newspaper mixture onto the oiled bowls and cups to create paper mache forms. Make sure to cover all surfaces.
9. Let dry for at least a day.
10. Gently twist paper mache away from the cup or bowl.
11. Use a scissor to trim any uneven ends.
12. Now the bowls and cups can be painted!