How To Make Paper Pulp 3D Grapes For Crafting

Wondering how to make 3D paper pulp grapes (and pomegranates) for crafting? You have come to the right place, as I am exploring this idea right now, so we can delve into it together? I have always loved paper mache using strips of newspaper, but with no newspaper in sight, and trying to use recycled items in craft projects with my students, I thought I’d give paper pulp made from egg cartons a try. There are many many egg cartons in my life, and especially the flats that hold 30 eggs, so no shortage of this source of paper pulp! This is my first attempt at using egg carton paper pulp, so keep on reading for my recipe, the success of the idea with my 4th grade students and future steps.

Paper Pulp From Egg Cartons Recipe:

• 1 cup egg carton pulp made by soaking egg cartons in water, squeezing out as much water as possible and then blending in blender or with soup wand

• 2 tablespoons white glue

• drop of liquid soap and 1 tablespoon flour (I forgot to add the two things, whoops)

Add glue to pulp mixture and stir, continue to squeeze out excess water as much as possible.

Note: I did see recipes that were 1 cup pulp to one cup white glue, which for very professional results is likely the way to go. For this project with kids I was honestly trying to conserve on the glue. I think I will try the half glue half pulp though myself and will report back!

Technique:

Because I chose to make paper pulp that was about 2 tablespoons of white glue per cup of pulp, I decided to go with a first attempt that involved basically creating grapes and pomegranates on a piece of cardboard already cut to the desired shape. I pre-cut the shapes for the boys as I knew it would otherwise be much less successful.

1. Cut out shape
2. Cover shape with glue
3. For grapes make small balls and adhere to glue, any additional grapes on top need to be adhered with glue
4. For pomegranate, make triangles for spikes and then a large ball that is flattened out for the body of the fruit
5. The grapes were very successful, while the 4th grade boys struggled with the pomegranate.
6. My plan is to paint these in metallic gold and use them for making Chanukah crafts that reference the Bait HaMikdash where there were golden grapes and pomegranates! Stay tuned for that!

This is a fun project for a range of ages, and of course you could do leaves, other fruit, letters, and just about anything.

Stay tuned for more info, these items took a good four days to dry, so keep that in mind or place in a lightly warm oven.