Paper Mache Pomegranate.

 

Paper mache is a popular crafting technique that uses paper and paste to create a variety of objects. Paper mache is the layering of moistened paper and other materials onto a blank surface.

I remember doing this as a child with wallpaper paste and newspaper. creating a piggy bank from a balloon and a cardboard egg box. Now living in Greece I decided to make something more fitting for my home. A pomegranate and a small serving dish. 

The significance of the pomegranate in ancient Greece......The pomegranate fruit has been used throughout history and in virtually every religion as a symbol of humanity's central beliefs and ideals, namely, life and death, rebirth and eternal life, fertility and marriage and abundance. 

The one I made is for decoration, but this can also be made into a fancy colourful gift or a money box for children.

 You will need - 

Glue. It is said you can use flour and water but this has a tendency to go mouldy. Wallpaper paste is okay as it contains an anti fungicidal, but i think PVA/wood glue watered down is best.

Paper. Use old newspapers but as these are becoming less available I used an old paperback book that had been left outside. (Tear the paper rather than cutting as the edges blend better.)

An object. I used a balloon for the pomegranate shape. 

Paints and brushes. You need a very small amount of white emulsion. I purchased the acrylic paints from Jumbo. 

Step 1. Blow up the balloon to the size of a pomegranate (it can be slightly oversized). Tear up the paper into small pieces; if they are too large they will not shape well around the balloon curve. Glue the first layer of paper on both sides all over the balloon, not leaving any gaps.

      

Step 2. In the same way add a second layer and raise up a coller of paper around the balloon knot. Add a third layer. (Do not add more than three layers as the paper mache must now dry.) Just before its totally dry dint in the bottom and snip the collar with scissors into zig zag points and bend them back slightly. This creates the natural pomegranate shape. Leave to dry totally.

Step 3. Add a fourth and fifth layer of paper mache around the shape (not the collar). Burst the balloon and take out. Leave to dry totally. 

Step 4. If you want a smooth finish the object can now be sanded with fine sandpaper to remove any paper joins. Paint the pomegranate with a layer of white emulsion paint to cover the newsprint. (I added a small amount of fine sand to give it a little texture.) Let dry. Paint with the acrylic paints to the desired effect. I chose to stay natural but yours can be painted any colour with decorated stripes and spots...be creative.

Step 5. To give a more natural look insert a bundle of small sticks tied with an elastic band. If its a gift as a money box make sure the hole is large enough for coins. Ribbons and lace can be glued on for decoration. 

Serving dish - for serving peanuts crisps etc. 

Using the same principal glue 3 layers of paper mache onto the desired shaped dish. Dry. Then apply a further 3 layers and leave to dry totally. Remove from the object and trim the outer edge. Paint with your desired pattern. I chose to leave the print from the book. Seal the entire dish with a final coat of PVA glue. The dish can be wiped clean with a damp cloth after use, but it is NOT totally waterproof.

Once you have mastered this try a second method. Soak paper into wallpaper paste to make a pulp. This can then be pressed and moulded into a sculpture made from poultry mesh. 

HAPPY CRAFTING.