Papyrus: a marsh grass that grows by the Nile River. To form sheets of papyrus, the bark was peeled off and the inner stems cut and laid on fabric in rows. The stems were then pounded until the fibers softened and released gluelike fluid, which was pressed out. The sheets were then dried. The longer pieces were made by gluing the pieces together with a flour-and-water paste to form a long scroll.

In 105 AD the Chinese developed the first true paper, similar to what we use today. TimelineCultureMaterialsFinal Product 5, 000 years agoEgypt Papyrus (from a Papyrus Plant) Papyrus, Scrolls Aztecs, Mayas, and Pacific Islanders Tree Bark Scrolls, Sheets Medieval EraEarly EuropeansAnimal Skins Parchment: is a thin material made from animal hide; often calfskin, sheepskin or goatskin.

Cellulose is the primary ingredient in paper. It is a cell fiber acquired by taking specific plants through a process of beating, soaking, boiling, screening, and pressing. Cotton, wheat, straw or even sugarcane can be among the plants chosen, but wood from trees is the most commonly used source of cellulose.

Papier Mâché is a material made from strips or shreds of paper soaked in a binder of glue or paste. Papier Mâché is commonly used by artists worldwide to create piñatas, carnival floats and festive costumes.

The origin of papier mâché is at least as ancient as the invention of paper itself. Paper was developed in China during the Han dynasty, 202BC to 220AD. Artifacts such as helmets and pot lids, attributed to this dynasty were made out of what has been described as papier mâché. Beginning in the 17 th century, French craftspeople used papier mâché in commercial applications. They manufactured furniture and decorative ornaments. England imported a lot of Chinese and Japanese lacquer work and it soon became the rage. Items ranged from chairs, cabins in ships, doors, mantelpieces, writing desks, and four-poster beds.

Papier Mâché form without an armature is lightweight, quite strong and rigid, but without an armature for support it can collapse if too much weight or stress is placed upon it. This is why larger forms have armatures constructed for support. While the wet material is curing (drying), the armature must be able to keep its strength and shape. Armatures can be made out of many materials, depending on the shape, size, or purpose.

Indirect Method If the final work is to be hollow, then the armature must be of a removable material. Temporary armatures made from clay and Styrofoam are common for this method. If the armature can remain – the “direct” method – it is made of lightweight material, such as chicken wire with wood support, recyclables, or paper packed lightly and tied/taped into a shape Direct Method

The Layer Method Literally means the paper is applied in layers. Involves using pulverized paper pulp to complete the sculpture. The Pulp Method You can also combine the two methods.

Begin by tearing strips of newspaper and dipping the torn strips into a bowl of paste/binder. Remove the strips and pull through the fingers to remove excess paste, then add over the armature. THINGS TO REMEMBER: Do NOT oversaturate the strips with paste. Not only will this increase drying time, but it will also weaken the structure. Layers should overlap each other crisscross for more support.

The advantage of this method is that pulp can be modeled, creating textures and 3D (raised) designs not possible with the layer method. Begin by blending the paper/pulp with a binder/paste. Then apply in limited thickness, by firming pressed into the surface. THINGS TO REMEMBER: The mix should be somewhere between milk and cream consistency. If the thickness of the pulp layer exceeds ¼ inch, the drying time will greatly be extended. Keep the layers thin!