Make an inexpensive paste for paper mâché projects from white flour and water. Gradually pour flour into a large bowl of cold tap water and blend with a hand mixer for paste that is stronger than a mixture made with boiling water. Either add enough flour for a thin consistency, or make the paste as thick as batter and mix well enough to remove all lumps. Experiment with various consistencies of paste to find your preference.
Each student chooses a theme for a chair. Use the tubes from paper towel rolls or gift wrap rolls for chair legs. Cut cardboard into a chosen shape to make a seat and a back, according to your chair's theme or character. Assemble the chair with masking tape and cover the outside with strips of newspaper soaked in paste. Allow the layers to dry and use tempera paints to color the chair according to your theme.
Ask middle school art students to choose a mask design. Cut the handles off 1 gallon plastic milk jugs, then cut out eye holes with a razor knife. Tape crumpled newspaper to sections of the mask in need of bulk with masking tape. Cover the mask on both sides with newspaper strips soaked in paste mix and allow it to dry. Coat the front of the mask with gesso primer and paint desired colors and designs with tempera paint.
Coat the inside of a bowl with petroleum jelly and line it with newspaper strips soaked in paste mix. Build 1/2 inch of paper up above the rim of the bowl then let the strips dry in place. Once dry, remove the paper bowl and wash the petroleum jelly off the bottom with a soapy rag. Cover the bottom with more paper strips and put a layer of paste-soaked paper towels on the inside. Finish these paper mâché crafts with gesso, acrylic paint and wood varnish.