Papier mache shelves

 I was reading a blog post recently about how to reinforce papier mache to make it strong enough to make furniture. I haven't reinforced any of my projects so far. I wanted to know how strong they could be without using any kind of strengthening agent other than cardboard. 

The kitchen shelves weren't originally wonky. They weren't meant to be wonky at all but they had to be moved out of the way several times when they were wet so I accepted that they were organically shaped and went with it. They were covered in music sheets a charity shop was getting rid of (although I still paid for them) and covered with Wilko's own brand Yacht varnish .I'm keeping the kettle under them to see how they survive being steamed on a daily basis.So far they're doing okay but I suspect they're a little more wonky than when I first put them up. They'd look much more at home in the kind of house that has space for just a few lovely things on shelves that are a talking point rather than as a lob sided experiment.

The tall set of shelves aren't finished yet. They're dry and waiting for a final layer. I'm thinking of painting them but it's hard to commit to anything. Paint seems so final. I usually use paper or a layer of coloured pulp so that I could redo it at any time. To quote Leonardo da Vinci 'Art is never finished, only abandoned', although I'm pretty sure what I do isn't art, maybe artisan if I'm pushing it! 

These shelves are pretty strong. They were made to store paper and books on paper in the living room to help keep things organised and neat for Paper Reloved. The cupboard at the top has a magnetic catch which I'm sadly very proud of, in fact you're lucky there isn't a lot more information and blog posts about the catch and how I've managed to fit it! Very proud indeed! [until it breaks].

Leonardo da Vinci
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/leonardoda380290.html

Leonardo da Vinci
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/leonardoda380290.html