At Aranya Earthcraft, we believe the art you bring home should tell a story. Each piece we make, from our colourful papier-mâché napkin holders and rings to our detailed sculptures and wall art, is crafted with care and patience. We start with simple materials like paper, white clay, and glue and turn them into beautiful, lasting works of art. With some knowledge and care, your pieces will stay beautiful for years. This guide will help you keep your Aranya Earthcraft art looking its best and celebrate the story behind each one.
Your Top 10 Papier-Mâché Care Questions, Answered
Q1: How durable are papier-mâché products?
Think of your piece like a beautiful wooden picture frame: solid, stable, and perfect for everyday display. Once fully hardened and sealed, as all Aranya Earthcraft pieces are, it is surprisingly resilient for normal use. It is designed to be enjoyed, but should be treated with the same care you give any handcrafted decor. Avoid heavy impacts or crushing weight.
Think of your piece like a beautiful wooden picture frame: solid, stable, and perfect for everyday display. Once fully hardened and sealed, as all Aranya Earthcraft pieces are, it is surprisingly resilient for normal use. It is designed to be enjoyed, but should be treated with the same care you give any handcrafted decor. Avoid heavy impacts or crushing weight.
Q2: What’s the best way to handle papier-mâché products?
Always use clean, dry hands. When picking up vases, papier-mâché lamps, and candle holders, hold them by the strongest part, usually the base. For delicate items like pendants, brooches, or detailed sculptures, avoid pulling on any thin or protruding parts.
Always use clean, dry hands. When picking up vases, papier-mâché lamps, and candle holders, hold them by the strongest part, usually the base. For delicate items like pendants, brooches, or detailed sculptures, avoid pulling on any thin or protruding parts.
Q3: Where should I display my papier-mâché products for maximum longevity?
Choose a stable, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and avoid heat sources, which can cause drying and cracking, as well as high-humidity areas like bathrooms. Papier-mâché coasters and trivets are for occasional use with cool drinks, but avoid prolonged moisture.
Choose a stable, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and avoid heat sources, which can cause drying and cracking, as well as high-humidity areas like bathrooms. Papier-mâché coasters and trivets are for occasional use with cool drinks, but avoid prolonged moisture.
Q4: How do I keep it clean and dust-free?
This is simple. The best tool is a soft, dry paintbrush or a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Gently brush or wipe the surface to lift dust. For intricate details on papier-mâché sculptures and wall art, a quick burst of compressed air works well.
This is simple. The best tool is a soft, dry paintbrush or a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Gently brush or wipe the surface to lift dust. For intricate details on papier-mâché sculptures and wall art, a quick burst of compressed air works well.
Q5: Can I use water or cleaning sprays to clean papier-mâché products?
We recommend avoiding them. Water is the main element to avoid because it can soften the structure. For stubborn grime on a sealed surface, lightly dampen a cloth, wring it out thoroughly, wipe quickly, and dry immediately with a separate cloth. Never use household cleaners or solvents, and do not submerge any item.
We recommend avoiding them. Water is the main element to avoid because it can soften the structure. For stubborn grime on a sealed surface, lightly dampen a cloth, wring it out thoroughly, wipe quickly, and dry immediately with a separate cloth. Never use household cleaners or solvents, and do not submerge any item.
Q6: How are papier-mâché products protected from moisture?
Every Aranya Earthcraft piece leaves our studio sealed with a protective varnish that creates a strong barrier. In humid climates, place silica gel packets nearby in your display cabinet. This helps preserve the lustre of papier-mâché earrings and other wearable art stored in boxes.
Every Aranya Earthcraft piece leaves our studio sealed with a protective varnish that creates a strong barrier. In humid climates, place silica gel packets nearby in your display cabinet. This helps preserve the lustre of papier-mâché earrings and other wearable art stored in boxes.
Q7: What if a small part of the papier-mâché product breaks?
Minor accidents happen. We are happy to repair our products for a nominal cost. For a quick at-home fix, use a strong, clear-drying glue like Fevicol or Gum Arabica solution. Apply a small amount, hold the piece in place, wipe away excess, and let it cure overnight.
Minor accidents happen. We are happy to repair our products for a nominal cost. For a quick at-home fix, use a strong, clear-drying glue like Fevicol or Gum Arabica solution. Apply a small amount, hold the piece in place, wipe away excess, and let it cure overnight.
Q8: If a papier-mâché product gets wet, what's the emergency protocol?
Act quickly. Gently blot away any standing water and let the piece air-dry at room temperature, away from direct heat. You may gently reshape it as it dries. Once fully dry, its structure will be restored, though it may benefit from a new protective sealant.
Act quickly. Gently blot away any standing water and let the piece air-dry at room temperature, away from direct heat. You may gently reshape it as it dries. Once fully dry, its structure will be restored, though it may benefit from a new protective sealant.
Q9: What’s the best way to store papier-mâché products I’m not using?
Wrap your papier-mâché product in soft tissue paper or cloth and place it in a sturdy box. Use bubble wrap or crumpled paper to fill space and prevent movement. Store the box in a cool, dry place, away from attics and basements.
Wrap your papier-mâché product in soft tissue paper or cloth and place it in a sturdy box. Use bubble wrap or crumpled paper to fill space and prevent movement. Store the box in a cool, dry place, away from attics and basements.
Q10: Can I use my papier-mâché outdoors?
Though it can be kept anywhere outside under the shade, we suggest keeping your art indoors. While our sealant is strong, prolonged exposure to sun, rain, and temperature changes will weather any natural material. Our pieces are crafted to bring joy to your interior spaces.
Though it can be kept anywhere outside under the shade, we suggest keeping your art indoors. While our sealant is strong, prolonged exposure to sun, rain, and temperature changes will weather any natural material. Our pieces are crafted to bring joy to your interior spaces.
Your collection from Aranya Earthcraft is more than decor; it is a testament to sustainable art and timeless craftsmanship. By following these simple care steps, you are not just maintaining an object but preserving a narrative, a piece of our hearts and hands. Thank you for choosing to make our art part of your story.
With gratitude,
Vivek & Preeti
Aranya Earthcraft
Vivek & Preeti
Aranya Earthcraft