Source unknown

Materials:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup water

Newspaper or grocery bag strips (1 inch by 3 inches)

Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)

A Bowl of the size you wish to copy

Acrylic paints

Acrylic gloss finish *optional*

1.Tear paper into strips

2. Take a small, rounded bowl, set upside down, and cover it with petroleum jelly.

3. Mix equal parts of flour and water. A half cup of each is enough for two small bowls.

4. Dip each strip into the paste and apply the first layer of strips vertically , covering the bowls surface. Don't worry about it being uneven or jagged. It can be easily trimmed with scissors after it is dried. Apply the second layer of strips horizontally and so on until you have 5 layers.

5. Allow to dry. This takes about one full day.

6. Seperate the papier-mache from the bowl. Use the tip of a butter knife to seperate the two. If the inside is not completely dry, allow to dry for another day.

7. Once completely dry, trim the edges with scissors.

8. Paint with acrylics. Add symbols or sponge. Use your imagination!

9. Allow to dry and then cover with the acrylic gloss finish *optional*.

The bowl you've created can be used on your altar to hold herbs, potpourri or shell/stones, etc.  It can be gently wiped out but don't wash it with water or use it to hold liquids of any kind.

***Note*** The finer the paper and smaller the strips that you use the smoother the bowl will come out. I have done these in layers using a courser paper for the first 2 layers and using thinner paper for the top layers. This creates a finer and smoother appearance. It is also fun to experiment with different types of papers in different colors (tissue and crepe are great). Sometimes I don't paint them at all and just use the different papers. Experiment and enjoy! :)

A Paper Mache Offering Bowl