How to Make a Papier Mache Side Table

Imagine a land where side tables were outlawed. There are few who will stand up and resist such a dark regime that oppresses innocent floor space... it is up to the few, to oppose this great wave of darkness and clutter! Come join the resistance, begin the fight, recycle, reuse and make a papier mache side table.

Step 1 Materials & Design

You will need...

A design: This design just happened as I went along, the dimensions came from marks on a length of wood I used as a ruler (that's why they have no rhyme or reason, sorry). As long as you are consistent with the basic dimensions, your table should look great. I have included my dimensions just in case you want to make an exact replica.

For the side table structure:
Cardboard (for the basic structure of the table)
Duct tape, scissors and marker pen
Lots of scrap paper (for the papier mache)
Cornstarch (or cornflour), water, measures and a bowl

For painting and distressing:
A few colours of paint (black, grey green and metallic gold)
A wax candle (to help with distressing)
A sharp edged tool (like a knife to help remove paint from edges)
A little paint remover (to help create a crinkly distressed look)
A brush and cloth (to apply paint)

Comments

[Dudeyowuzup]

Well done. Thanks for including so many pictures! I thought the cleaner lines of the cardboard looked better than the uneven look of the paper mache, but I understand if the paper mache is required for additional strength. However, when I first looked at the pictures, I thought your side table was covered in foil! It wasn't until I read the step about painting it that I realized it was just metallic paint.

[justjonty]

Thank you so much! I think you are right about the smooth, cleaner lines of the cardboard. Perhaps you could use a finer paper to prevent the harsh and uneven look of the papier mache? Thanks again for your comment!!!

[Jeabou]

Does it matter what kind of paint you use? I think briefly working in the Paint department of a large hardware chain store confused me even more with how many kinds of paint there are. My apologies for such a noobish question!

[Jeabou]

Check that. My apologies, I did not read in detail enough. Oil based, got it. :) Cannot wait to get crackin' on this one this weekend!

[justjonty]

Hey there, hope your table goes well!!!

[ajackson16]

This is awesome! I'm currently lacking in bedroom furniture and have been needing some bedside tables. I recently gutted about thirty hardback books to make Miss jessyratfink's book headboard and have been looking for a way to recycle the gutted pages. I think instead of painting it, I'll "paint" the outside with a bit of tinted wallpaper glue to let the words shine through while still getting an aged look. Thanks so much!

[justjonty]

Thanks! I think your idea is great! I had thought of using comics for the final layer and then using varnish to cover. If you do make something, please post a picture :)

[emilygracedavis]

This is great! If only I had this instructable when I was in college, life would have been so different...Thanks for posting.

[justjonty]

Yeah... with or without cardboard furniture... university life can be quite the jumble, mingle, tangle... nice that we made it out alive :) thanks for your comment

[gusnako]

nice i'll make it too... did you guys(that made it) notice any signs of mold because of the cornflour after a while or is it safe??

[justjonty]

Absolutely no mould... as long as it's dry and especially if you paint it... then it's not likely to show any sign of mould...

[DELETED_Magebear]

(removed by author or community request)

[justjonty]

Thanks Magebear!!! Very encouraging... cornstarch and water works really well (depending on how you apply it - how long you immerse the paper etc)... it holds together really well - the side table is very solid... and of course if you paint it then no worries... Thanks again!

[scmtngirl]

So cool! I've been hankering for a new coffee table but have yet to decide on one I like. Maybe I'll try making something like this as a temporary solution. Very clever and beautiful in a unique, artistic way.

[justjonty]

Thanks scmtngirl... coffee tables are so expensive these days... a cardboard/papier-mache one would be neat... thanks again for your kind comments :)

[osibisa]

fun -- I have used masking tape making papier mache stuff, and it's a lot less expensive than Duct. less slip, too.

[justjonty]

You are so right, masking tape is great re: papier mache and very strong once covered. I just had access to duct tape, which is fine once you've covered it with papier mache and great for stability :)

[ellequoi]

This sounds like a good project for when the school year has finished... how long did it take to make?

[justjonty]

The structure took a few hours (and I was taking photos to document it, so probably less)... then papier mache takes an hour or so to do (but spaced this over a period to allow for drying etc)... I simply applied one layer of papier mache and it certainly strengthens the cardboard (use more if you require a stronger finish)... I have the table next to my bed, so I'm not pushing it for strength (but I did place 20lbs on it to test for strength and it coped very well)... painting takes as long as the paint takes to dry... Hope you find some time to make one...

[anarchy burger]

how much weight would you guess this could hold?

[justjonty]

Hey anarchy burger... I'm not sure... but it's really stable and strong... I just put around 20lb (~9kg) in tin cans on it (left it for 10 minutes) and it sits there quite happily... :)

[anarchy burger]

ohh thats rad!! great 'ible by the way :) such a wonderful take on the cardboard furniture, very concise & easy to follow.... can't wait to make one!

[lemonie]

Nice.

L

[justjonty]

Thanks lemonie

[Uncle Kudzu]

Good job! The end product looks great and the how-to part is good too!

I do stuff with papier mache sometimes (see my avatar, Senor Hardhead), and your 'ible gives me something new to think about. Thanks for sharing!

[justjonty]

Thanks for the encouragement Uncle Kudzu! Senor Hardhead looks great!

[sitzikbs]

very immpresive!
nice work man.

[justjonty]

Thanks for the encouragement sitziks... Loved your Duct Tape Swing BTW...

[slice_rulz]

i have often thought about doing something like this you did nice work. i would suggest using a paper based tape like packing tape to get the paper mache to stick to the tape better.

[justjonty]

Thanks slice_rulz... Great tip on using packing tape... The papier mache mixture seems to adhere to the duct tape reasonably well, but I'm sure using strong paper tape would certainly be a better choice... Thanks again...

[knife141]

Very nice! I like seeing projects where something useful and artistic is made from throw-away materials. Good job!

[justjonty]

Thanks knife141... love your sock monkey :)

[mehendalek]

Nicely done :)

[justjonty]

Thanks mehendalek