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HI, Im new! And a question!

#1 2011-05-09 00:46:44

violet71
Member
Registered: 2011-05-09
Posts: 4

HI, Im new! And a question!

Hi all, Im thrilled to find this informative site, Im just starting with paper mache, It was something I loved as a child, so Ive decided to have a go!

I was just having a look and would love to try the little doll in the tutorial list, but, where would I buy styrofoam? Im in the UK.
Thanks  Vi  xx

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#2 2011-05-09 03:49:51

paper soup
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From: Small Town Texas USA
Registered: 2008-08-10
Posts: 107

Re: HI, Im new! And a question!

I'm not in the UK but any craft shop should have a good supply. Looks like Hobbycraft is a large chain in the UK. If there is one near you, you should be able to find all you need there.

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#3 2011-05-09 09:54:48

Jackie
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From: England
Registered: 2002-09-14
Posts: 389
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Re: HI, Im new! And a question!

Hi Vi,

Styrofoam......"polystyrene" to us Brits!


Jackie

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#4 2011-05-09 12:47:23

violet71
Member
Registered: 2011-05-09
Posts: 4

Re: HI, Im new! And a question!

Thanks for the replys, Jackie, i thought it was the same, but i wondered if styrofoam was more like oasis?
Do you buy it or use packaging?

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#5 2011-05-09 13:43:48

dopapier
Moderator
From: UK
Registered: 2004-12-04
Posts: 754

Re: HI, Im new! And a question!

I would suggest, not Styrofoam, but building insulation board.  If there is any building going on near you, there may even be bits in the skip. Ask a builder, otherwise you can buy it at a Builders' Merchant.  It tends to be slightly yellowish but cuts, carves and sands really easily.  Once shaped, paint with diluted PVA to seal the surface and provide a bond.  Apply the first layer of paper with PVA and use normal paste after that.  Several of my pieces (gallery David Osborne) use it - the penguin for example.


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#6 2011-05-09 16:51:30

violet71
Member
Registered: 2011-05-09
Posts: 4

Re: HI, Im new! And a question!

Thanks so much, husband is a builder!! Doh!!
Can I ask another question? At the moment Im trying my hand at a small bird sculpture, Ive used polysterene balls, wire and Im using a coloured tissue paper, though I will still paint it.
Im not using the traditional method of paper-mache, Im using watered down PVA, is this ok?

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#7 2011-05-09 20:35:25

dopapier
Moderator
From: UK
Registered: 2004-12-04
Posts: 754

Re: HI, Im new! And a question!

Well, hubby certainly ought to be able to help with that!!!

Paste.  Read my article 'What paste to use'.  I think you will find the suggestions better than diluted PVA.

David


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#8 2011-05-10 06:02:20

CatPerson
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From: Washington State, U.S.A.
Registered: 2006-01-09
Posts: 1314

Re: HI, Im new! And a question!

If you're familiar with, and have access to Oasis, the water-absorbing kind (for live flower arrangements), you can form it by pressing it.  I could see using it to shape a bird or other more 'complicated' shape.

In fact, I don't think I've ever considered using it...

IT'S A NEW MATERIAL FOR PAPIER MACHE!!! YAHOOOO!

Thank you, Violet!

Sue

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#9 2011-05-10 08:28:16

violet71
Member
Registered: 2011-05-09
Posts: 4

Re: HI, Im new! And a question!

Haha your welcome Sue! x

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