Cut Out + Keep

Giant Paper Mache Cactus

Can't afford a giant cactus then make one.

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/giant-paper-mache-cactus • Posted by pillarboxblue

I can’t justify the cost of buying a giant cactus, real or artificial and I don’t have the greenest of fingers. Therefore I decided that the only way I was going to get a giant cactus was by making one. As this was a fun decor piece I decided to pimp my paper mache cacti with paper napkins. So I now have a fantastic Marimekko giant cactus and a giant pear cactus.

You will need

Project Budget
Cheap

Time

3 h 00

Difficulty

Nice & Simple
Medium 113318 2f2016 02 06 175425 marimekko%2bchair%2bgl Medium 113318 2f2016 02 06 175459 2%2bcacti%2bpatio

Description

I can’t justify the cost of buying a giant cactus, real or artificial and I don’t have the greenest of fingers. Therefore I decided that the only way I was going to get a giant cactus was by making one. As this was a fun decor piece I decided to pimp my paper mache cacti with paper napkins. So I now have a fantastic Marimekko giant cactus and a giant pear cactus.

Instructions

  1. Small 113318 2f2016 02 06 180137 plaster%2bparis%2bstick

    You will need to make a solid frame for your cactus. To do this first set your large wooden stick in plaster of paris in a bucket.

  2. Small 113318 2f2016 02 06 180732 wire%2bcactus

    Shape the chicken wire into a cactus shape on your wooden frame.

  3. Small 113318 2f2016 02 06 180839 tape%2bcoverd%2bframe

    Cover your chicken wire in stripes of masking tape, this makes it easier for the newspaper to adhere to. Cut your newspaper into strips approximately 3cm X 20cm. Paste the PVA glue onto the newspaper strips and stick to the frame until covered.

  4. Small 113318 2f2016 02 06 181218 papermache%2bin%2bprogres3

    Once dry, dilute your PVA glue 2 parts glue to 1 part water. Cut your tissue paper into strips approx 3cm X 10cm. This time paint the diluted glue onto the newspaper layer and then place the tissue paper on top until completely covered. Leave to dry

  5. Small 113318 2f2016 02 06 181317 marimekko%2bcactus%2bwhite

    For the final paper mache layer use paper napkins. Most napkins are 3 ply, separate out your napkins so you only use the top printed ply. This time don’t cut your napkins into strips but tear them so you get a feathered edge. Using the same glue mixture and method with the tissue cover your cactus in the napkins.

  6. Small 113318 2f2016 02 06 181406 marimekko%2bcactus%2bshed

    Finally when the napkin layer is dry cover the whole cactus with waterproof PVA to provide it with a protective finish. Water proof PVA glue is thicker than normal PVA so it's best to apply with a foam brush so as not to tear the napkins. This PVA appear white when applied but don’t worry as it dries clear.