Doglover, sorry, I didn't even think about that DG forum link being for "members only".
Even though there were instructions for making the papercrete, I think the first link Sharon posted gave a better "recipe".
The gardenweb link reminded me of one I saved - this guy does some unbelievable sculptures with papercrete! I'm intrigued by his addition of
joint compound and would like to try it sometime...this is his formula.
I had a request for my formula for papercrete so thought I'd post a copy here just in case it might be of help to someone.
Cement and Paper Fiber Sculpting
Materials
Portland Cement (NOT a concrete mix just the cement powder)
Paper Fibre (I buy the paper insulation you can get from Lowes. It is already shredded. You can take newspaper and shred it, soak it, mush it more but this saves a lot of work).
Bucket of joint compound
Mixture
You have to experiment here to get it to the point it feels like clay. Off hand I'd say 2 parts paper fiber to 2 parts paper cement. I then just put in a handful of joint compound, add water and mix by hand. If it doesn't feel like clay I add more cement and more joint compound.
You can do 3 parts paper to 1 part cement if you just want bulk and are not concerned about strength. The higher the paper fibre the longer it will take to dry. I just do this in a bucket. I've not tried a large scale mixing because a) you can get tired out pretty easily and then you are wasting the rest and b) I don't know if it would dry out too quickly.
IMPORTANT!: Wear a mask and rubber gloves. Cement dust easily goes into the air and it is not a good idea to breathe it. Also, I wear thin rubber gloves. I much prefer no gloves as I like to feel my subject but the reality is that cement will suck all the moisture out of your hands.
I've been asked if one can add sand. I've only tried this once. It makes the mixture a lot less claylike and takes longer to dry and will slump easier, but you can do it. The plus side is likely added strength.
One of the things I have read is the "paper insulation" he refers to is a little stinky to work with. If memory serves me correctly it's "cellulose" fibers and smells like ammonia!
Oops, I was typing while you were posting!
Yes, papercement = papercrete.
If you do a google search for "papercrete sculptures" you'll probably see this man's
Greenman sculpture, incredible!
