Papier-Mâché

Patricia Morley is professor emerita of English and Canadian Studies at
Concordia University and an avid outdoor recreationist. She is the
author of several books, including The Mountain Is Moving: Japanese
Women’s Lives, Kurlek and Margaret Laurence: T

This colorful, well-organized, and highly imaginative book could provide
hours of fun for a child alone or for a group.

Renée Schwarz begins with an introduction pointing out that
papier-mвché objects are both delicate and strong. His instructions
with regard to supplies are innovative and meticulous: small cardboard
boxes, frozen juice tins, even toilet-paper rolls are among his
suggestions. Additional thin cardboard could come from cereal or tissue
boxes or packing boxes. Scissors, craft knife, glue, tape, and
sandpaper, along with flour, newspaper, and water for the “goo” or
paste, complete the necessary materials.

Detailed instructions are accompanied by small, colored diagrams.
Schwarz’s tips and hints for painting and dry-brushing are also
excellent. Preparations are followed by projects that include “fun
frog,” “lucky pig,” cat-and-mouse bookends, “handy hound”
(described as a watchdog that keeps track of keys, necklaces, or a
watch), a lion magazine holder, “money-muncher fish” (a piggy bank),
and an alligator box (complete with optional small birds) for storing
small treasures.

Papier-Mвché is perhaps the most inventive book yet published on the
art, or at least one of the best. It should delight young
craftspersons—older ones, too—and provide hours of activities on
rainy days. Highly recommended.