Egg Box Paper Mache

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The technique of using egg boxes to make paper mache should particularly inspire those of us who make recycling part of our everyday philosophy. It's a truly ecological technique that is glue-free, an idea that's already there in the egg cartons.

This technique was tested by Emmanuelle and documented in her blog "Et moi alors dans tout ça !" ("And me, too, in all that!").

Emmanuelle wanted to explore all of the possibilities this idea presents, but she didn't have the time. She'll try again and pass along some more of her tips. You should try this egg box paper mache technique, too, and let us know how it turns out!

Supplies

Tools

To mix: a mini hand chopper or a food processor but not a blender
Large mixing bowl

Materials

Cardboard egg cartons (of several colors)
Water
Cellophane wrap

Directions

Pulp of the egg box paper mache

Cut the egg cartons, by hand, into small pieces.

Place the pieces in a large mixing bowl and cover them completely with water. Let them soak for at least one night.

Using a food processor or hand chopper, mix the content of the bowl without losing any of the water, because otherwise your paste will be too thick and you won't be able to work with it.
NB: Don't force your mixer, you might break it!

Only when you have a thick, homogeneous paste can you drain any excess water.

Creation of objects from egg box paper mache

Here are two tested projects:

Layer method:
- Cover a base (e.g. a plate) with cellophane to ensure an easy removal of your finished project.
- Coat the base with your paper paste, pressing it down firmly with the palm of your hand.
- Let it sun-dry.
- Remove it.

Pulp method:
- Create the desired shape by molding the paste with your hands after you've squeezed out as much water as possible from the paste.
- Let it sun-dry (allowing for more or less time based on the thickness of the object).