• Age: 10 to 17
• Grade: 5 to 12

"This attractive, copiously illustrated, and easy to use how-to-do-it book touches all the bases."
-- Kliatt

Out of print since 2007, Papier-Mâché Today is back in print for a new generation of crafters of all ages. Papier-mâché is an easy activity for children at home and a staple in school classrooms.

Papier-mâché is inexpensive, requires only household items as tools, and offers tremendous scope for creativity and personal expression. With its wide variety of sculptural techniques and finishing treatments, it satisfies the sculptor, the painter and the craftsperson.

This is a book of projects ranging from the simple to the ambitious. Clear instructions accompanied by color photos convey how to make animals, monsters and home décor items such as trays, bowls and paperweights -- 16 exciting kinds of projects in all. Beautifully photographed opening spreads introduce each creation.

A "Read This First" chapter gives the essentials on the papier-mâché craft, tools and materials (newspaper, cloth and wallpaper paste), techniques, painting, finishing and troubleshooting. Special techniques include graphics, antiquing, splatter, sponge painting and textures.

The 16 projects include home décor (such as bowls and napkin rings), animal characters (Meatloaf Cat, Alligator, Birdo, The Mutt, Mermaid), Monsters (Sea Serpent, Manhole Monster, Refrigerator Raider), and human figures.

The author explains all forms of papier-mâché construction and provides an extensive section on finishing techniques. Color photographs on each page reveal the beautiful results of this satisfying craft. Papier-mâché is an accessible and rewarding craft for people of all ages.

Sheila McGraw is author of Painting and Decorating Furniture, Papier Mâché Today, Papier Mâché for Kids, Dolls Kids Can Make, and Soft Toys to Sew. She is the illustrator of the best-selling children's books Love You Forever, and Lightning Bug Thunder as well as author/illustrator of Pussycats Everywhere.

Sheila McGraw's profile page

Miles beyond the projects you may remember from grade school... takes papier-mache beyond craft and into art -- and has fun doing it, too.

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal

An abundance of color photographs on glossy paper and a well designed layout make Papier-Mache Today an attractive book ... It's not hard to be inspired.

Canadian Materials

McGraw's easy-to-follow illustrations, her chatty descriptions and unusual ideas will motivate readers.

Montreal Gazette

This attractive, copiously illustrated, and easy to use how-to-do-it book touches all the bases.

Kliatt