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Paper Mache Altars

Paper Mache Altars

This European autumn I have the pleasure of attending the Field School of Hvar in Croatia with my family. Whilst there I will be taking part in a fellowship offering my crafting skills to the cohort of families attending for the term. I will be hosting a series of workshops delving into Hallowtide traditions on the island. We will explore ideas around memory, life cycles, death and renewal through a storytelling and craft arc that culminates in a collective ceremony. 

In the lead up to our arrival in Croatia, I am experimenting and planning a few project ideas. The first is making mini altars created from up-cycled cardboard and paper mache. They will become a mini artwork within which to place a memory of a loved one, time or place.

For this project, I'm using regular paper mache, however in the past I have created similar crafts using paper mache clay or up-cycled lids and tins. Check out those projects for further inspiration.

MATERIALS:

  • Cardboard - old cardboard boxes work well
  • Paper - you need something absorbent like newspaper or brown paper bags
  • PVA glue
  • Paint brushes
  • Acrylic paint
  • Mod Podge (optional)
  • Masking tape
  • Hot glue
  • Cord or string
  • Acrylic paint pens (optional)
  • A treasured memory in the form of a found object, drawing or photograph

HOW TO:

Decide on a shape for your altar and begin to make the base from cardboard. We tried 2 different shapes, one with a curved top and shelf at the bottom and another like a shadow box frame. A small mailer box can make a great base for the box frame, you then just need to add a frame around the edge.

We constructed the base using hot glue and masking tape to secure a the parts firmly together.

Next it's time to paper mache your base. This will make the construction stronger and cover up any joins. We used torn up strips of news print paper and PVA glue. If your glue is very thick, you can dilute it with a little water.

Cover all the side with paper mache and leave to dry. This might take a few hours or overnight depending on the weather.

Now it's time to add colour. We decorated our altars with acrylic paints. Once the paint had dried, we added more details using acrylic paint pens. At this stage, you could also add a coat of mod podge to seal your artwork and make it more durable.

Add a loop of cord at the back of your frame in the middle, so you can hang your artwork on the wall. We used hot glue covered with a piece of card to attach the string.

Finally we added a special memory into our altars. This could take the form of a photograph, a drawing or a found object that reminds you of a special place time or person. 

Happy crafting friends!

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