Paper clay
is an inexpensive solution for puppetry and costuming
Paper clay, also called papier mache, is an inexpensive, easy-to-make material, which can be molded over balloons and solid objects to make puppets, costume parts and other crafts. One disadvantage of paper clay is its rough, gritty surface doesn't hold paint well. To prime paper clay for paint applications, you can apply a few coats of gesso, a white acrylic primer.
Instructions
1. Let your paper clay dry completely before priming.
2. Use your brush to apply one coat of gesso to the surface you want to paint.
3. Let the gesso dry completely.
4. Lightly sand the gesso, blow the sand away and apply a second coat of gesso.
5. Wait for the second coat of gesso to dry completely, and lightly sand the surface. Blow off excess dust.
6. Continue applying gesso, waiting for it to dry, and sanding the gesso until you have applied at least four coats. Make sure no paper clay is visible through the coats of gesso.
7. Paint your surface with the colored paints of your choice.
