Papier mache, also known as paper mache, is easy to make. Using paper mache to make crafts items like ornaments, figurines and other shapes is very economical and also eco-friendly. This is because it uses waste paper in the form of old newspapers, stationery, gift wrapping or any other kind of left-over paper.

This skull was painted after I visited a mexican art exhibition. Everyone who hears about the day of the dead festivities in Mexico are intrigued, and I was especially intrigued by the art and the beautiful home-made decorations that surround this strange and wonderful day. Wonderfully colourful skulls, made from papier mache and hand-painted in vibrant colours, were perhaps the most vibrant and striking of all so I had to make my own. I used a wierd recipe in which I first heated newspaper strips in a pan, then blended it to form a pulp, and added a glue and water mix. This set very solid and is almost like plastic! I also made some bowls with this recipe and they are very tough and flexible!

And the real thing in Mexico:

Skulls for sale in Mexico: all hand-painted each one different!

An original painted skull from mexico.