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Hi Guys,
First of all, as this is my debut post, I'd like to say a big thank-you to Jackie for putting together such a wonderful resource for everyone interested in papier mache. I have found so many useful tips and ideas which have inspired my leap into the great world of papercraft.
I have completed a couple of bowls similar to the ones in the 'tutorial' section. For my next project, I'm looking to work on a small lidded box for my desk. I'm probably going to make up the structure in cardboard and masking tape, then laminate with newsprint. My question is quite simple - how do people suggest that I go about making sure that the lid fits neatly into the top of the box without any "wiggle" room? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I hope to post some pictures of my projects in the visitor's gallery when I get around to taking photographs of them, so hope you will all be able to share in the pleasure they bring to me!
Thanks so much,
Dan
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Hi Dan,
Thank you for your lovely comments. Sounds like you are well and truly hooked like the rest of us.
What I do for boxes, is to tape a strip of thin card (about postcard thickness) inside the rim of the base, just protruding about 1/4 inch above. I then cover this with thin paper strips (sometimes just tissue), covering all the card. I paste some newspaper inside to cover the join and thicken the card up from the inside - and hey presto! It is important not to make the layers too thick on the outside of the card for obvious reasons, but it is easy to forget this at the time.
This should stop your boxes wiggling on your desk. 
You are welcome to show your work in the galleries. There will be a few notes going up on the site shortly about joining.
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I use foamboard to make most of my lids. I like to finish mashing the body of the box/bowl and get the size I need for the lid by tracing around the area I want the lid to fit into. I then cut two exact pieces of foamboard alittle smaller to fit inside the 'body'. (I cut two pieces for the depth it gives. I've tried using only one but it didn't fit snugly enough because it didn't have enough depth)I tape the smaller foamboard pieces to the inside lid and apply pasted strips overall. I just wanted to also add that once you have a snug fitting lid, don't forget to apply wax to the edges of the lid so it doesn't get stuck or mar the paint. Bee'sWax or any softened candle will do.
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Thanks so much, fantastic tips. Just one question, what exactly is foamboard?
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Foamboard is the (approx.) 1/4" thick, white styrofoam-lined poster board that you find used to make posters for schools. Usually it is colored on one side and white on the other.
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