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Step 4Solidifying the Shape
Okay, the basic shape is complete. It's time to break out the grade-school paper mache techniques and make the shape strong and durable.
If you recall, we'll need the materials for this process:
*Equal parts flour and water (around a cup of both is good for one stone),
*A mixing bowl,
*A mixing spoon,
*A heap of newspaper torn into long strips.
My newspaper was ripped into 1-2 inch wide strips half the length of the newspaper page, but this is largely decided by preference.
Start by pouring all the water in the bowl, then gradually mixing in the flour until you get it to a smooth consistency. Once all the flour lumps are out, take a strip of newspaper and place it over the gap at the top of the stone (where you cut out the curve). Repeat this, fanning the strips out over the top and sides of the tombstone. Make sure you cover all the duct tape on the box or else the salty play dough won't stick later on.
If you cut an opening in the bottom to hide the stake, be sure not to paper mache over it! It'll be tough to cut it back open later on, or you might forget about it completely.
After a while you might notice the top of the stone starting to bend inward. Don't worry, just put some spare cardboard or a paperclip as far down in the top as you can to hold it open (see the pictures). You can fill in the dent later with the salt dough.
Now after all that hard work, you can sit back and wait for it to dry overnight.
If you recall, we'll need the materials for this process:
*Equal parts flour and water (around a cup of both is good for one stone),
*A mixing bowl,
*A mixing spoon,
*A heap of newspaper torn into long strips.
My newspaper was ripped into 1-2 inch wide strips half the length of the newspaper page, but this is largely decided by preference.
Start by pouring all the water in the bowl, then gradually mixing in the flour until you get it to a smooth consistency. Once all the flour lumps are out, take a strip of newspaper and place it over the gap at the top of the stone (where you cut out the curve). Repeat this, fanning the strips out over the top and sides of the tombstone. Make sure you cover all the duct tape on the box or else the salty play dough won't stick later on.
If you cut an opening in the bottom to hide the stake, be sure not to paper mache over it! It'll be tough to cut it back open later on, or you might forget about it completely.
After a while you might notice the top of the stone starting to bend inward. Don't worry, just put some spare cardboard or a paperclip as far down in the top as you can to hold it open (see the pictures). You can fill in the dent later with the salt dough.
Now after all that hard work, you can sit back and wait for it to dry overnight.
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