Recently I decided to see if I could make my own air dry, paper clay to use on some of my paper mache projects. I ended up with a really great clay that can be used not only for paper mache projects but for many other sculpting projects as well. It was super easy and inexpensive to make. You will never believe the main component I used to make this clay...a roll of toilet tissue paper. Seriously. Here's the recipe and instructions on how I did it.
Tags: #diy #paper #clay #recipe #toilet #tissue #papier #mache #air #dry #oven #recipe #joint #compound #directions #how #make #without
Ingredients
1 Roll of inexpensive toilet tissue paper.
2 tbs of Mineral Oil
1 cup of regular, all purpose joint compound
3/4 cup of flour
3/4 cup of Paper Mache Paste (my recipe is here)
2. I strained all the water from the bowl and then hand squeezed out all the absorbed water I possibly could from the paper fibers. I pulled into chunks and measured out 2 cups.
3. I dumped the measured paper, joint compound, Paper Mache paste, flour and mineral oil in a mixing bowl.
4. I mixed it all together using a hand mixer for about 3 minutes and it was done.
Store in air tight container or bag in the fridge.
I have really enjoyed playing around with this clay and hope you do as well. I've already completed one project using it (tutorial on it coming soon) and look forward to using it in many more. Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting! :)
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DIY Tutorial How To Make Your Own Paper Clay
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UPDATE-Additional Information On Supplies:
Awesome, I can't wait to try this, thank you, for sharing. where can I get mineral oil from?
ReplyDeleteYou can find mineral oil with bath and body supplies at Walmart, Target, etc.
Deletewonderful idea, What is joint compound?
ReplyDeleteJoint compound is what is used to hold together drywall, and is available in places like Home Depot or Lowe's.
DeleteIs this the right mineral oil http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgreens-mineral-oil-intestinal-lubricant/ID=prod5593964-product? Home Depot or hardware stores should carry the joint compound.
ReplyDeleteThat is it! I picked up the joint compound at Walmart. Have fun! :)
DeleteHi guys! Yes that is the correct product regarding mineral oil. Most general retailers and pharmacies carry mineral oil. I picked up mine for like $2 or less for a huge thing of it at Dollar General. As for the joint compound I actually ordered it online and did same-day (free) pickup at my local Walmart store. I used ProForm All-Purpose Compound. Right now it's listed for $3.48 for a quart (locally). I have oodles leftover of both to make future batches. It's the smallest quantities I happened to see that day when I was looking for them. Hope this helps! Let me know how you like it! I'm super happy with it and you really can't beat the price. I'm working on posting a project I used it for right now. Thanks so much for stopping by and for the comments, guys! :)
ReplyDeletePS....joint compound is used to patch holes in plaster, kind of like spackle. Not sure of the exact difference between the two (without researching it) but it should say joint compound on the container and most stores should be able to help you find it.
ReplyDeleteJoint compound and "spackle" is one and the same. I use it to smooth out my diorama bases. I want to give this a try, but what is Paper Mache paste?
DeleteJoint compound is used for joining sheet rock seams. It can be used for repairs and is referred to as "spackle" by some. I`ve used it for diorama bases and for smoothing out scratch-built terrain features. I use the multi-purpose "filler" these days. I want to give this a try for one of my bases. Thanks for the recipe!
DeleteCan't wait to see your project. I just signed up. Thanks, Pat S
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! :)
DeleteI can't wait to try this! We're remodeling so we always seem to have joint compound on hand but I'll be running to the store for mineral oil and toilet paper. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Have fun! :)
DeleteThank you, Patricia! I really appreciate that! So happy to have you!....Awesome, Erin!!!! Be sure to send me a pic of what you make. I would love to see it! :)
ReplyDeleteI found the mineral oil and the compound, but now where I find the cheap toilet paper?
DeleteI found a pack of four rolls for $1 at Dollar General. It worked great! :)
DeleteJoint compound is not the same as spackling compound. Spackle is used for patching walls and such. It dries very quickly and is very lightweight. Joint compound can be used for patching but is primarily used for drywall installation to fill in the seams. It takes much longer to dry than spackle. In a recipe like this, I would stick to joint compound. Unless you're experimenting. I would be curious to try spackle just to see the results. Thanks for sharing this idea!
DeleteCan't wait to do this I love when people share the talents with others .!Do you need mineral oil can you use regular shortening liquid or veggie oil ?How do you make the paper do you spread the paste out and let it dry ? Thank-You for answering my questions .When I get my project done I'll send a picture .
ReplyDeleteI have only used mineral oil. I've seen others use linseed oil but not any type other. As for letting it dry I just kept it in a glob in air tight tub while I was working with it. I then just formed it like you would any other clay. Sometimes I let the clay just dry on its own and a couple of times I put it in the oven to help the process along. Hope this helps and thanks so much for stopping by! :)
Delete.....and please do send a pic! :)
DeleteI have made a similar clay recipe, but the clay is very stretchy/doughy like working with bread dough. Does your recipe turn out stretchy? I've been trying to find a recipe similar to the store bought Creative Paperclay brand, but haven't had any luck yet.
ReplyDeleteIt has been several months since I made it. I don't remember it being particularly stretchy. I used only my hands to mold it and it worked great for the paper mache owl project I was working on. Hope this one works for you and thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteDo you know if this has potential to last for a long time before it would crack or fall apart once it became a formed sculpture?
ReplyDeleteIt appears to last a long time. So far so good! :)
DeleteThis is my first time trying paper clay, I just stared to do paper mache again the other day first time since wow long long time ago. I usually work with polymer clay. I wanted to do something different. Found your paper clay recipe and going to try it. I'm also going to try your paper mache paste. THANKS SO MUCH For sharing. I'll be able to put up some of my work I have done in the past I do all kinds of crafts, I cants post anything yet just started a blog and it's not even close of being up and ready
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome. Thanks so much for stopping by. Good luck on your projects and your new site! :)
DeleteAfter you make something with this paper clay, how long does it take to dry?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by. It should dry within a day or two in a warm, dry environment. You can always speed up the process by warming it in the oven on a low heat seating.
DeleteCan you make jewelry with this paper clay?
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried it but I would like to. I made it primarily to help solidify my paper mache projects but I do jewelry projects as well. So, please let me know how it works out if you decide to try it and thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteIf I haven't done it yet, I would love to invite you to share this over at #bloggerspotlight link party. It runs every Thursdays , 7pm until Sunday 11pm PST.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Pinterest Thread ( wink wink!)
I haven't yet but I will try my best to remember to do it this thursday and a big wink wink and hugs to you! :)
DeleteHi, I just made the clay but it seems dry. Is it ok to add water? Also, how long can it be stored in an airtight container for?
DeleteAnonymous: you can definitely add a little water if needed. Just make sure that you add a very small amount at a time until you get the consistency you need and thanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteI haven't heard about it. The process is seems simple. I will try it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy and thank you for stopping by. :)
DeleteQuestion: Have you used Creative Paperclay, and if so, is this clay similar in consistency and workability? I try to make high-detail works, so before I try this I need to know if it takes a lot of detail.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hi Dragon, sorry I just saw this. I have never used Creative Paperclay. I've only used my own concoction (this recipe) and Activa Celluclay. Both have worked well enough for the details I needed but not sure in regards to what you are wanting to do. You can look at the projects I've made on this blog using the two. Go to the main page (boreidesign.com) and click on paper-mache-book-decoupage-other-paper-crafts under the "Topics" section in the right hand side bar. Hope that helps and good luck! :)
DeleteAfter its done, does it will break apart if I use it for a mini toilet with water?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't recommend any type of paper mache to hold water. I have seen people have some success making outdoor sculptures using some type of wood deck (boat) sealant but I've never tried it personally.
DeleteWill the flour spoil?
ReplyDeleteThe clay or flour won't spoil as long as it's dry. If you leave wet clay in a tub it will spoil after a while. If you store it (wet) in the fridge it will last a little longer though.
DeleteCan you use this in molds? Also, does it need to be sealed?
ReplyDeleteI've never tried it in a mold but I think it's a really good idea. It probably would! As for sealing it I don't think it's absolutely necessary but it definitely doesn't hurt. It gives it more of a finished look to me.
DeleteI dont have "joint compound" but i have all kinds of caulk like sealant, liquid nails, etc. Will any of that stuff work instead?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I do not know. I've never tried without joint compound. Sorry, wish I could help more.
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