Monday, October 15, 2007

Re: [papercreters] PC Art - Re: QUANTITIES of WATER and CEMENT in PC

When I work with cement I wear rubber gloves and a mask because of the lime which isn't healthy to inhale so I'd think it would be hard working with kids to use cement. Paper pulp would probably be just fine and it might also give then a chance to learn patience and an opportunity to exercise self-discipline since the paper would have to take time to pulp.

Nancy Bracewell <Cather39@bham.rr.com> wrote:

Now that's about my speed. Did you use a special mix? Is there something to make it stronger?
I do lots of papier mache and am wondering if there's a way to make something stronger than just paste and paper.
Also, would adding Borax help in the fireproof department?
Mostly I work with kids – giving them a chance to make something sloppy that they're not welcome to do at home.
Pinatas, masks, etc. are loads of fun, but for something stronger like art to keep or a wall sculpture, I'd want more strength.
I'm not trying to turn this serious building list into an artsy-craftsy list! I am learning so much from y'all and really enjoying the information AND the pictures!
Nancy
The decline in our standard of living may not be a sign of economic failure; rather, it may be part of the cure for our economic ills. --Paul Hawken in The Next Economy
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PC Art -  Re: QUANTITIES of WATER and CEMENT in PC
    Posted by: "Terry" blazingsaddles@frontiernet.net azglassblaster
    Date: Sun Oct 14, 2007 3:15 am ((PDT))
Hi Carrol,
I've just recently experimented with doing a wall sculpture out of papercrete,  I just uploaded the photos, go to the group website and look for Terry's Photos and go to the second page, they're the last pictures added.  Or maybe this link will get you there faster:
I used a piece of mirror to build a clay sculpture on so that I would have a smooth surface for the background.  I then taped cardboard strips on end around the sculpture and poured plaster to make a mold.  After the mold was done I made a batch of papercrete in my tow mixer - most went to make blocks - I grabbed a few handfuls and squeezed out quite a bit of the water on wire mesh then pushed the PC into the mold and around the edges on top of the mold for the background to about a 1/4 inch thickness, then set a heavy block on it to compress it and left it for a day or so.  Once I pop the finished product out of the mold I let it sit in the sun to completely dry.
The 1/4 inch background area can crack if manhandled but otherwise it's pretty sturdy.  The sculpture part itself is quite strong.
And that's as far as I've gotten.

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