Paper mache skulls easy way to paint

by Gary Mathis
(Austin Texas)

Mixed Media Art Questions for Milliande

" Paper mache skulls easy way to paint"

I am making paper mache skulls for center pieces to go on the tables for my wedding party.

I have a few made but have not bought any paints to use.

I would like them to be base white and with colorful designs and glitter. Any suggestions of what paints to use and how put designs on.

I have never really painted.

submitted by Gary Mathis
Austin, Texas

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Mixed Media Art Questions answered by Milliande

HI Gary,

Painting Papermache Skulls sounds like a fun project ...

There are several ways to go about it ...

~ you can paint with a cheap acrylic paint ( like a folk art paint brand available for a few dollars in a store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby ) they are avaialble in lots of different colors ...some are also available with glitter or sparkle already added to the paint

~ if you would just like a base white coat than household paint from a diy store woudl do, folk art paint or a basic acrylic paint could be applied .

~ White gesso is another option ..it is a base ground for lots of painting and can be quite resonably priced but remains chalky

~ Designs in glitter could be applied in different ways .. use a fabric paint that comes in a tube and already contains glitter ( some of these are sutable for other surfaces too besides fabric -- Tulip is a brand that comes to mind)

~ Designs can be applied in wet glue .. and glitter sprinkled over them ... this potentially is more messy and runs the risk of getting glitter where it is not wanted ..

~ So for easy of use when painting papermache skulls as a wedding decorating I would

~ get some whithe folk art paint and paint the skull
~ get some fabric glitter paint in a tube form and paint on designs
~ get some permanent markers for non-glitter designs ( sharpie markers come in several colors)
~ get some 3-D nonglitter paint ( again often used to decorate t-shirts and fabrics .. they can come in some funky neon colors too if that is desired )


Hope this kickstarts some creative ideas for you

Good luck on your wedding day
...milliande
:-)