Papier- Mache articles are made of waste paper
applied in layers and pressed together on wooden moulds. Today, to save
time, a thick layer of paper pulp mixed with starch

is
alternated with paper to get the required thickness with much less
labour. Imagination runs wild as craftsmen breath life into this mould,
bringing out a variety of expressions on masks.
The craftsmen of Kashmir turn a variety of utility items, of papier
mache, into fabulous decorative pieces. The items are brass lined to
improve their scope for utility. Designs in the shape of flowers and
birds, and the heart shaped Kashmir chinar leaf add life to the objects.
Bright and ethnic colors lik

e
peacock blue, dark green, brown etc. are used. Gold and silver are used
on larger articles. Figures and objects like the Kashmiri houseboat are
depicted.
In the south life size figures are made to portray everyday scenes of
life. The dancing dolls thus made are very popular. Gwalior, in Madhya
Pradesh, has a papier-mache centre but largely for toys. Ujjain in the
same state specializes in figures of deities. Puppets made out of papier
mache are very popular throughout India. A wide variety of designs and
styles inspired by the varied cultures of the different Indian states
make excellent decorative pieces.