Creating A Paper Mache Wedding Cake: Step-By-Step Guide

Paper mache is a versatile sculpting material that can be used to create anything from kids' crafts to museum-worthy art. It's a fun and easy way to make a wedding cake, with endless possibilities for customisation. You can make a paper mache wedding cake by creating an armature, applying paper mache, and decorating it. The process is simple and only requires a few basic materials, making it a great DIY project for anyone looking to add a unique touch to their wedding.

Create an armature

The first step in making a paper mache wedding cake is to create an armature, which will serve as the base structure for your sculpture. Take your time with this step as it is important for the overall stability and shape of your cake. Here are some methods you can use to create an armature:

• Cardboard Pattern Inside: This method involves using cardboard to create a pattern or framework that will be placed inside the cake structure. While this technique is not covered in detail here, you can find online resources that explain how to create such patterns.
• Crumpled Paper and Masking Tape: For a simple and cost-effective armature, crumple newspaper into the desired shapes for the body, legs, and head of your cake. Secure the crumpled paper together with masking tape. This technique provides a basic structure to build upon.
• Crumpled Foil and Hot Glue: If you want more detail and definition in your armature, consider using crumpled foil instead of paper. The foil holds its shape better than paper and is easier to work with. Use hot glue to secure the foil pieces together. This method is slightly more expensive and requires caution to avoid burns from the hot glue.
• Found Objects: You can also create a form for your paper mache cake using objects found around your house. For example, a small ceramic bowl can be used as a form for a paper mache bowl. Similarly, plastic bags can be used to create forms for pumpkins, and milk jugs or paper plates can be used for masks.
• Clay Model: Another approach is to sculpt a form out of clay and then cover it with plastic wrap. You can then apply several layers of paper mache directly onto the clay form. Using brown paper as the base for your paper mache can provide a good surface for painting later on. Remember to always varnish your paper mache sculptures to seal out moisture.
• Wire Armature: You can create an armature with chicken wire or aluminum mesh, which is commonly used for paper mache parade floats. This method results in lightweight sculptures since they are hollow. Aluminum mesh is particularly useful for large flat areas, such as elephant ears or dragon wings, that might warp if you used cardboard covered with paper mache.

Make paper mache paste

Paper mache paste is easy and inexpensive to make! You can make your own paper mache paste quickly and easily, and the recipe is also eco-friendly. This is the most traditional method for how to make paper mache paste, and it gives you a strong, durable paper mache glue. The added bonus is that this paper mache glue is cheap, can be made from household items, is not as messy as PVA paper mache paste, and is good for the environment.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• Water
• Optional: a tablespoon of salt to help preserve the paper mache glue

Instructions:

• Combine the flour and water in a large bowl and stir it well. You want the mixture to be thin, with a consistency similar to pancake batter. If your mixture is like a paste, it's too thick—add more water or flour as needed until the mix is runny like white glue.
• Continue to mix until there are very few lumps left. Use a whisk or a handheld blender to remove any remaining lumps.
• If you live in an area with high humidity, add a few tablespoons of salt to the batter to prevent mold from forming.
• You can use the paper mache glue immediately for your project or store the paste in a covered bowl or jar in the refrigerator for a few days.
• If you don't like the smell of the glue mixture, add a pinch of cinnamon for fragrance. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the glue, if necessary, but be careful as food coloring can stain fabric.

There are also no-cook methods for making paper mache paste, which are simple and inexpensive. You only need a few supplies, most of which you probably already have around the house. All you need is flour, water, and a bowl for mixing. Combine the flour and water, and mix until you get a thin, lump-free consistency. You can also add salt to prevent mold if you live in a humid area.

Apply paper mache

Applying Paper Mache to Your Form

Now that you've created your armature and made your paper mache, it's time to apply the paper mache to your form. The method you use will depend on whether you're using paper strips and paste or paper mache clay.

If you're using paper strips and paste, you'll want to use paper that's soft enough to bend over the curves of your form. Be sure to tear off all the cut edges, as these will show as straight lines on your finished sculpture. To apply the paper strips, start by brushing on a layer of paste to your form. Then, place your paper strips on top, smoothing them out as you go. You can use your fingers or a brush to smooth the paper and remove any air bubbles. Continue adding paper strips until your form is completely covered.

If you're using paper mache clay, apply it to your armature with a knife, using a thin layer so it can dry quickly. You can treat it like frosting a cake, adding more or less clay to create the desired shape.

Once you've applied the paper mache, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. This is crucial to avoid mould and ensuring your sculpture is sturdy.

Allow to dry

Allowing your paper mache wedding cake to dry is a crucial step in the creation process. Paper mache is a versatile sculpting material that can be used by artists of all ages, but it requires patience as it is not an 'instant' sculpting medium. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your paper mache wedding cake dries properly:

• The drying process can take a significant amount of time, so be prepared to give your project ample time to dry. This step is essential to prevent the growth of mould, which can ruin your hard work.
• To speed up the drying process, use a fan to circulate air around your paper mache wedding cake. If you have an oven with a fan, this can also help accelerate the drying process.
• Consider "baking" your paper mache wedding cake at a low temperature, around 250° F, to help remove moisture. This technique is especially useful if your project is thick or has multiple layers.
• Avoid painting your paper mache wedding cake until it is completely dry. Sealing in moisture can lead to mould growth, which will appear as dark spots on the surface.
• Once your paper mache wedding cake is dry, you can use an acrylic gesso to seal the surface and create a nice white base for painting. This step is optional but can enhance the final appearance of your project.
• If desired, you can use acrylic paint to decorate your paper mache wedding cake. Oil paint or watercolours can also be used, but be sure to seal the paint with a coat of acrylic varnish to protect your artwork.

Remember, the key to success is patience. Allow your paper mache wedding cake to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next steps of painting and decorating. Enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques to achieve the best results!

Paint and seal

Once your paper mache cake is completely dry, it's time to paint and seal it. You can use acrylic paint to decorate your cake and bring it to life. Gesso can be applied before painting to seal the paper mache and create a nice white surface for the paint to adhere to. This step is optional, but it can make the colours brighter and reduce the amount of paint needed.

After the paint has dried, seal and protect it with a coat of acrylic varnish. If you're aiming for a matte finish, an ultra-matte varnish is recommended. However, if you want your cake to have a shiny appearance, go for a gloss varnish.

For an extra touch of sparkle, you can add sprinkles on top of the cake using glitter glue in a random pattern. This step is optional but can add a whimsical touch to your creation.

Remember, the paint and seal step is crucial to ensuring your paper mache wedding cake is protected and preserved. It will also enhance the overall appearance, making your craft project truly stand out.

Frequently asked questions