Cut or tear paper into thin strips about 1” wide, set aside. Create your base or form using your various materials. If you want to make a mask a balloon is a great starting point. If you are using cardboard to build your form, cover the cardboard with plastic wrap and tape (wide packing tape works well for this), so none of the cardboard is exposed as this will get soggy from the paste and your form will lose it’s shape.

In a small bowl dissolve, the cornstarch in 1 cup of cold water. In a medium saucepan combine 1-½ cups of water with the sugar, salt and vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat to low and slowly add the corn starch mixture. Stir constantly until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool just until its not too hot to touch, you can begin to use the paste at this point.

Once you have created your form, take a piece of paper and soak in the paste, remove excess paste and begin to apply to your form, smoothing out wrinkles and bumps. Repeat this process until you build up many layers covering your entire project. Set aside to dry completely, this could take several days if your paste was put on thick - try to remove as much excess paste as possible to help speed up drying time. Once dry, you can paint, cut and even sand down any rough edges, this is especially important when making masks, if you cut holes for eyes, nose and mouth, the edges could be rough.

Equipment       

Various supplies to build a structure or form, such as chicken wire, plastic recyclables, cardboard, balloons, tape, or plastic wrap. You’ll also need paper, old magazines or newspapers. Use a plastic tablecloth or large garbage bags to cover and protect your work surface. You can also paint your projects once they dry.