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Handmade Papier-Mâché Napkin Rings By Alan Wagener

These napkin rings are a kid-friendly project. They're a great way to reuse paper and make a useful, attractive gift at the same time. Easy, fun, free, and a great way to be together as a family. Even very little ones can participate. Here's how:

What you need:

• Adhesive
  
  
  • You can use white glue mixed 2:1 with water or liquid starch, or you can make your own:
    
    
  • 1 cup water
    
    
  • 1/4 cup flour
    
    
  • 5 cups water
    
    

    Put 5 cups of water in a pot and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, put 1 cup of cold or room-tempurature water in a pint jar. Add the flour and shake vigorously. Add the flour and water mix to the boiling water. stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.

• Empty paper towel or toilet paper tubes
  
  
• Newspaper
  
  
• Sharp knife - a paring knife or craft knife.
  
  
• Scissors
  
  
• Acrylic Poster paints
  
  
• Finish - shellac, acrylic varnish, white glue, etc.
  
  

What to Do

1. Cut a 2 inch piece of cardboard tube for each ring you're going to make.

2. Tear newspaper into strips (about 1/2 inch wide).

3. Dip the strips in the adhesive and wrap around the inside and outside tube, smoothing into place. You may want to do this in 2 sessions, a few layers each time. The more you put on at once, the wetter the cardboard gets and the more difficult it is to keep it round. Also, more layers take longer to dry.

4. Once the rings are thoroughly dry, you can sand them smooth or paint them right away. Start with a coat or two of white paint to hide the newsprint, then paint the design of your choice. Adding the recipient's name or initials in their favorite color is a nice way to personalize the rings.

5. When the paint is dry, finish with a sealer - We used shellac. White glue mixed with water to thin it makes a fine satin finish.