Tutorial - How to make a decorative leaf plate

Having made a paper mache lampshade in May 2020, I started loving the experience of working with paper mache. The satisfaction of creating something out of almost nothing is simply inexplicable:)

So mid-June, when I made an internet search for what I could make for a break from the routine and chanced upon a video on how to make a decorative plate using paper mache and a real leaf, I decided to go ahead.

This time too, the fruit of my effort was far beyond my expectation, so I am putting that down in words for anyone else interested to do.

Paper mache is nothing but literally mashed or pulped paper. It's quite easy and there are various methods to do that. Here I am explaining what I did.

Step 1

First soak the paper pieces in water. Any paper will do but thin ones are easier to work with. It can be newspaper, exercise book paper, thin pamphlets, receipts, thin magazine paper (not glossy ones though), tissues - anything that allows itself to become soft in water. May take 3-4 days. During the time, it is good to keep tearing and squishing the paper pieces inside the water with hands.

I used a few sheets of paper table napkins (tissue papers) so it took less than a day for the paper to become soft, after which I worked them with my fingers.

Step 2

When the paper pieces become thoroughly soft and gel with water, squeeze the paper to remove the water using a sieve or just using the fist method.

Step 3

Pound this paper pulp further with a mace or stone, or with plain hands. This step is easier when tissue papers are used. Add some cornflour or wall putti powder, some glue, 2 pinches of salt and a few drops of oil, to this mix and knead to make a dough with as few cracks as possible.

Step 4

This project needs us to work with a leaf as the end product is a leaf plate. Choose a strong leaf with prominent veins. Pluck the leaf just before it is to be used, because a wilted leaf is very difficult to work with as it might tear in the process.

Step 5

Lay the leaf, veins showing up, on a flat surface, and spread the paper mache dough on it evenly.

Step 6

Apply oil or vaseline to the inside concave surface of a frying pan or a wok. Carefully lay the leaf on this surface, taking care not to disrupt the paper mache layer. It is not very difficult as the paper mache was squeezed of any water content.

Alternatively, you can spread the paper mache on the concave surface and then lay the leaf on it, adjusting it on the paper mache. Press the leaf gently so that the veins get impressed on the paper mache layer.

Step 7
Keep it in the sun for drying. I prefer drying paper mache items in the sun to keeping them under the fan or using some other method. Nothing beats sun-dried effect!

Step 8

When the paper mache leaf dries a little, it will loosen itself. Then it can be slid out of the mould. Remove the leaf from it and dry it further to remove all moisture and strengthen it.

Step 9

Now is the fun part. Paint the leaf - the body and the veins - as the natural leaf was or as per your imagination.

Thanks for instructions from https://youtu.be/HEKQn1Sm4pw