In an effort to develop a list of Basics for working with paper mache (and to provide a repository of recipes that will be easy for me to refer to when needed), I'm adding another recipe to the series of tutorials I'm developing on making homemade ingredients useful for the process.The first one was for homemade glue.
I use liquid starch to help harden my paper clay and strip mache projects. I could buy liquid starch, but again, it can get expensive. A 64 oz. container can cost around $4.50 or so. In the scheme of things it's not going to mean skipping any meals to buy it, but making your own is very easy and it's cheap too, literally costing pennies a gallon.
Homemade Liquid Starch
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tsp water
Boil the cup of water. While that's heating up mix the cornstarch with the extra water. Just as in cooking, you need to mix the cornstarch beforehand to prevent clumping.
Add cornstarch mixture to the boiling water and stir.
Wait for the mixture to clear and remove from heat.
Allow the liquid starch to cool and place in an airtight container and refrigerate.
I use the liquid starch in my paper mache paste, my homemade glue, and in my paper clay. Again, it's used as a hardening agent and helps bind the ingredients together.
I LIKE this idea! I have experimented with the store-bought starch to smooth my paper mache clay immediately after applying it, because it does make it more firm! I love that I won't have to buy it anymore.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I found your blog.
Maggie,
DeleteThat was the reason behind my trying to search for an alternative. My inner cheap guy hates paying for something I can easily (and cheaply!) make myself. I never have to worry about running out as I can whip up a batch in minutes and it only costs pennies as opposed to dollars. Every little bit helps.
Rich
I agree with you. It work for me too
DeleteYOU MENTION GLYCERINE, BUT I CAN NOT FIND ANYWHERE IT CALLS FOR IT OR THE LINSEED OIL YOU ALSO MENTIONED.missing Am I something, or is that a different recipe?
Deletehow long roughly do you have to boil it for?
ReplyDeletethank you amy :-)
Amy, just a minute or two. As I note above, when you see the liquid clear it's time to remove from the heat and let cool. You'll see the change as your boil it.
DeleteRich
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletecan i make slime with this?
ReplyDeleteI just tried to make slime but it's a fail 😕
DeleteHi, when does one add the starch to the home made glue? Looked at the recipe but no mention of starch in the photos. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Hi,
DeleteSorry for the delay in replying. It's not really critical when you add the liquid starch, but for convenience you can add it after you add the last of the water. Then mix and follow the rest of the directions.
FWIW, it wasn't included in the photos because it was a step I added after the fact, after having come across the liquid starch recipe. But since I use it as a hardening agent I thought it best to include it.
So, yes, anytime in the mixing process is fine to include it. Thanks for reading.
Rich
So this makes 1 cup of starch? and then do I mix it with more water to dip my fabric/paper in it to do my crafts? Or just make a big batch?
ReplyDeleteHi John,
DeleteYes, it makes 1 cup which I then add to my various recipes. For example, I use 1/3 cup in my homemade glue and differing amounts in other recipes. Depends on what you need it for. If you need larger amounts, just bulk up the ingredients equally.
Rich
for the end part how long do you refrigerate the liquid starch for?
ReplyDeleteI have stored it for as much as two months or so before completely using it, but more typically I mix up as much as I happen to need for the project I am working on, so it can sit in the fridge for a week or so. When left standing, though, it should be shaken vigorously before use.
DeleteRich
Also, another note about liquid starch with homemade paper is it also is needed for paper that will be written on, to prevent bleeding.
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know, altho most of the comments come from last year your informational pieces on glue/starch/etc are still gathering interest. Ya gotta love the internet, the place where nothing dies.
ReplyDeleteThank gawd for that....
Heh! As long as people continue to find it useful, I'm all for that. Thanks for taking note though.
DeleteRich
Hi im making something for easter an id like to do. Trial an error before it even gets close, an i cant find liquid starch here any where all the walmarts say there out of stock i even went in a 25mile distance whats the soonest you can use this after putting in the refrigerator
ReplyDeleteCheyenne, actually use it as soon as it cools. Refrigeration is only for storage. You could probably use it right away too, but since it's so hot I just let it cool first. Good luck with your project.
DeleteRich
So if I'm using this to iron jeans will the cornstarch stain my jeans? And leave them white or something??
ReplyDeleteJennifer, it shouldn't. I haven't had a problem the few times I've used it, but you might want to test it out on a small area where it won't be noticed just so you're comfortable you won't ruin a whole pair. :)
DeleteHas anyone used this for monoprinting ir other printmaking by chance? Thanks
ReplyDeleteCan this be used all by itself with cheesecloth to make floating ghost heads?
ReplyDeleteDid you do this because that is what i was going to use it for so curious. I cannot find liquid cornstarch to purchase here so was just going to make this and try it
DeleteThis recipe is over a hundred years old. Was used to starch clothes and the stiffer starch was used for chorchet projects.
DeleteCan you make slime with it?
ReplyDeleteCan u make slime !?
ReplyDeleteThat's a question I get a lot. I haven't tried, and I've encouraged people who've asked to give it a go and let me know how it works, but sadly no one's reported back. Maybe you'll be the first?! Otherwise I may just have to make a video of it just so I can answer this question. :)
DeleteI just tried, unfortunately it didn't work
Deletecan I use this to place fabric on my walls
ReplyDeleteI've only used it to stiffen up paper mache props, but maybe take a scrap of fabric and try it on a test piece to see how it goes. Sorry I can't be more helpful with an answer.
DeleteIf you try using it to place fabric on walls ..please tell me to try it beĺladonna
DeleteI know, purchased, Liquid Starch Does work for putting Fabric in Walls. I saw a Martha Stewart segment & Many yrs. ago a Lynette Jennings show, illustrating this. As for home made, I'd think it depended on weight of fabric used; or try making the mixture a bit more concentrated. Also: try adding a 1/4 tsp of salt for longer storage.
DeleteI found a craft to make butterfly sun catchers using tissue paper. The instructions days to use liquid starch to apply the tissue paper to wax paper. Will this recipe be OK to use for this project?
ReplyDeleteWhile I haven't tried it on such a project, I think it would be perfectly acceptable to do so. I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Good luck!
DeleteFor anyone that was wondering about slime, i tied it and it sadly does not work :(
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting your results. Too bad they weren't positive, because by far that is the foremost question I receive about this. Thanks again for stopping back to give us your results.
DeleteEssay writing is really very hard for students and many students are really stressed to write it. So finding a best essay writing format is not easy. Anyway you can check any essay writing services and they can help you to find a good format to write the essay. I can recommend a site that has helped me. It's called Evolution Writers Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAnne. Since you purposely and willingly advertised on this blog. Legally you are required to pay the blogs owner. If you do not, the owner is entitled to sue the entity that was advertised for compensation.
ReplyDeleteSiskel & Ebert give this comment 2 thumbs up!
Deleteفيه ترجمة
ReplyDeleteCan this be used for a homemade yarn Easter basket ...
ReplyDeletehi
ReplyDelete