A project I have been working on recently is making paper mache vessels. I have quite a collection of handmade papers, magazine cuttings, old books and various vintage and new scraps. I love using these in my paintings and collages and wanted to transfer this way of working to 3D pieces.

I knew I wanted to build up the paper in layers rather than make a pulp and I experimented with a few ways of doing this. First I covered my molds with petroleum jelly and then layered on the paper. This technique left quite a greasy residue on the paper so then I tried covering the molds with cling film and adding the paper. I felt this was much more successful and created a cleaner finish.

I worked with a variety of molds including different sized bowls and plates. I also plan to make some vase shapes and perhaps boxes. The inner layers of the vessels are newspaper and the outer layers paper from  my collection.

(click on images to enlarge)

Other paper projects of mine include some Autumn decorations and wedding favours. One of my favourite places for paper inspiration is paper runway.