Burmese Theatre: Making a lacquer bowl

Activity resource sheet 4
Making a Papier Mâché Bowl
YEAR 3 (/4/5)

Materials
Small bowl (to be used as mould)
Cling wrap
Vaseline
Kitchen towel
Newspaper
Ruler
P.V.A glue or wallpaper paste
Poster paints
Paint brushes (wide and narrow)
Scissors
Cover for table (eg plastic sheet)

1. Preparing the mould Apply a layer of Vaseline over the side of the mould to be used, then cover with clear film wrap, overlapping the edges of the mould. Fold a piece of kitchen towel into a small pad and use it to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles in the cling wrap.

2. Prepare papier mâché materials Tearing the newspaper against the edge of the rule, rip it into strips 2.5cm (1in) wide and 10cm (4in) long.

3. Prepare the glue You can either use P.V.A. watered down (3 parts glue to 1 part water) or wallpaper paste. For wallpaper paste follow the packet instructions to mix as for lining paper and leave to stand for a while.

4. Papier mâché the mould Using the wider brush, freely paste a strip of newspaper with glue and apply to centre of mould. Overlapping each strip, work outwards and, keeping the rim shape, cover the mould with one layer. Apply two more layers in different directions.

5.Applying white paper Now apply layers of plain white paper, pasted with glue, until no newsprint shows; press out any air bubbles. Leave the bowl to dry. This may take several hours at least.

6. Remove from the mould Use the edges of the film wrap to ease the papier mâché bowl away from the mould; remove the film wrap. Layer the outside with white paper strips, finishing with a coat of glue inside and out. If necessary, carefully trim the bowl rim with sharp scissors.

7. Decorating the bowl You can recreate an enamel finish using poster paint mixed with water and PVA glue. Traditional Burmese colours would be black or reddish-brown.

8. Painting the motifs You can use traditional Burmese motifs @ www.molli.org.uk/burma for inspiration, or if you prefer why not design your own? It's a good idea to do some sketches on paper first. Paint/draw them on the bowl using poster paint or metallic paint (e.g. a gold pen).

9. Finishing the bowl Finish off with a coat of PVA.