How to Make Paste

Today I am going to show how I make glue from cornflour (also known as corn starch in the states). This glue can be used for your projects with all kinds of book, paper, and journal arts as well as a ton of mixed media works. It is easy and insanely cheap. It is also eco-friendly, using two natural ingredients which also makes it kid and pet friendly. Further, it has been used since antiquity so you have the satisfaction of knowing that when you make and use this paste you are working in a form of paper art that goes back centuries.
I am making this paste with 1 part cornflour to 8 parts water, that is two tablespoons cornflour to one cup water (20 grams cornflour to 250 ml water). Some projects call for 1 part starch to 4 parts water but for this project a lighter paste will work better.
Feedback or questions? Please let me know in the comments below. Please subscribe to my KZbin channel and be sure and turn on the notifications!
If you would like to learn how to make and keep your own illustrated journal, I have an online class THE BOOK OF YOU. You can find it here ($32):
kelly-s-school...

[@BookandPaperArts]

If you would like to learn how to make and keep your own illustrated journal, I have an online class THE BOOK OF YOU. You can find it here ($32): kelly-s-school-b1d1.thinkific.com/courses/the-book-of-you-making-and-keeping-a-visual-diary

[@kathyennis2411]

I am 76 years old. When I was about 11 or 12, I spent the afternoon with a cousin. We were playing paper dolls and needed some paste/glue. She didn't have any, but her mom, my aunt, MADE use some with flour. Within just a few minutes, we had paste/glue for out paper dolls. It is such a good memory for me.

[@BookandPaperArts]

What a lovely story, Kathy. Funny the things we remember, especially the simple pleasure ones. Thanks for touching base! Kelly

[@katpaints]

My mother made paste out of flour and water all the time when I was a kid…. In the 50s. I’m 78.

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@katpaints I'm so pleased that it brought back some memories. Now go get 'em! 😺

[@bettylongshore9594]

@@BookandPaperArts I'm in my 70s also and I remember using flour paste too.

[@teresadavis9283]

@@bettylongshore9594 I'm only in my 60s, but when I was a kid my dad used to make kites for us out of newspaper sheets and flour paste. In school we made papier mache out of flour paste and newspaper strips. I taught Scouts and college drama students how to make papier mache, too.

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

I cannot believe that I am 60+ years old and never knew you could make this! I can make gravy in my sleep. I’ve made it so often, so it should be a snap. Thank you so much.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Ha! Good one, Nola. Yes, we do like our gravy in the south. I once heard a joke about deep-fried gravy and I thought That Sounds About Right. I also use this paste for decorating with paint and that video will be coming up. Have a creative weekend!

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

@@BookandPaperArts oh can’t wait for that next video! Yeah, we are notorious for deep frying Everything down here. Next time you are in the south US, look for a cotton patch restaurant. They have chicken fried bacon. It kind of sounds gross, but I swear it is delicious. They take thick cut bacon and bread it in a coating like you would use for chicken fried steak; then they deep fry it. I swear I can walk in that place and sniff and my cholesterol goes up 10 points.!

[@cherylmacedo5521]

I’m here to say that I’m DELIGHTED to know that - yes, in fact, you can teach an old dog (gal) new tricks. So thank you for that realization this morning Kelly. And…I can not wait for the tutorial on those gorgeous lace paper pages. You continuously amaze me with the easy, simple, yet beautiful techniques. 🤍🤍🤍

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@cherylmacedo5521 Thank you, Cheryl. I have been on kind of a roll, making paper-wise but I give the credit to the paper gods who are constantly flagging me down and directing me to good ideas. 😺

[@susanhudson3299]

My mum used to make this for me when I was a child. Thank you for the memories.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Susan, it is my real pleasure. Amazing what we remember, isn't it?

[@possum2273]

So glad I discovered your site. Thank you for this recipe! Blessings.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Well hello and welcome. It is my real pleasure and I hope it helps you to make some great papers. Kelly

[@adelia988]

We used to make this in the 1970s when I was little

[@NormaBennettSYD]

Looks like you've stirred a lot of memories of home glue making for quite a few of us. Mine is a lesson on the pitfalls of impatience. I was maybe about 8 years old, I needed glue, my mum was busy and asked me to wait for her to help me. I'd seen her heat the water and flour mixture on the stove. I didn't want to wait and thought I'd do it myself be smart and shorten the process by mixing HOT water into the flour instead of heating it up from cold - you can imagine the result! An unusable mess, and me in trouble! Several decades on I no longer add hot water to flour, but I'm still impatient 😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Well, well, this made me smile. When I first tried this a couple of years ago I wasn't necessarily impatient, I just couldn't believe that there could be any difference and yeah, we're talking crazy lumps and messy mess. I don't even have the excuse of being eight! Cheers to us, Norma.

[@NormaBennettSYD]

@@BookandPaperArts cheers to us indeed! You made me laugh out loud!!!

[@nelln1606]

It's also great for papier-mache. Makes a strong bond between papers and, as a bonus, it doesn't dry your hands like wheat flour paste does. On the 2nd day, it can be a bit lumpy. But strir it up with an immersion blender, and it smoothes out beautifully.

[@nelln1606]

Also, I forgot to share, you can use it to stick fabric to walls.

[@Chris-hp8yf]

I’ve made this before and added a drop or two of any essential oil (off the heat once thickened) The oil not only counteracts bugs but makes the paste smell nice.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Great idea, Chris. I've heard clove oil works best and, in fact, whole cloves are what I drop into my homemade ink and it gets for ages. *And yes, smells really good, too.) 😺

[@Chris-hp8yf]

@@BookandPaperArts Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comment.

[@samcollage7682]

I have a wonderful recipe for making a large amount of paste which I use for making paste prints. It uses wheat flour and rice flour with a bit of Dr. Bronner's castile soap. It is more complex than this recipe, but I love it. I can't wait to make a lot of different pastes and compare the longevity, ease of prep, and fun. Thanks.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there, Sam. I also make paste prints with a different, more fiddly recipe. I love making the prints but making the paste does a number on my kitchen! Thanks for comparing notes. Dr Bronner's, eh? I have the lavender soap and that might make a lovely scent in the paste. 🤔🤔

[@handmadewithlovebytraceyan3289]

I used to make this all the time 4 the kids paper mache , if you add a tsp of salt you will get a little longer life from it,hop that helps.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for this tip, Tracey. I will definitely try it next time. Kelly

[@blupoppy608]

love it,thank you for sharing

[@BookandPaperArts]

You are so welcome. It is my real pleasure. Happy making!

[@diane2941]

When I was very little my mom gave us flour and water to make glue. Looking forward to the paper netting!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Going up pretty soon, now, Diane!

[@gogo-word]

Always something interesting! Thanks. See you tomorrow.

[@mooman351]

I am always happy to see your videos, they are always informative, friendly and make me feel good ❤thank you regards Marg.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Marg. This is truly nice to hear. 🌷🌻🌼

[@mariposasrizadas1924]

🎉🎉🎉❤thanks for Share your skills 🥰

[@BookandPaperArts]

Mariposa, it is my very real pleasure. Kelly

[@Kementiri]

I recommend only making enough paste per project. I tried this today and put the paste in the fridge overnight. When I tried to use it today it pretty became useless. You can NOT rehydrate it to it original smooth paste, even after adding water and gently reheating it and stirring. Just make enough for one use using the smallest recipe possible. It did look lovely after it dried :) ty for sharing your techniques with us!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for sharing this, Kementiri. I don't have problems with thinning it out if I stir like crazy but I also agree that small batches are the way to go. It is so easy to make enough for a single use and not waste the extra. I hope you are making some gorgeous papers! 🌷🌻🌼Kelly

[@michellepalmer8243]

Hi, thanks for the tutorial, I have just recently learnt this from another youtuber but not to glue paper with but to stiffen crochet. X

[@heikesiegl2640]

@@michellepalmer8243 oh, how does that work? I always sprayed the pieces with starch water. I never used a paste. Can you tell me more?

[@michellepalmer8243]

The tutorial I watched to stiffen crochet is on "Crochet around the Globe in English" that's the name of her KZbin channel, hope this helps you.

[@rickiquilt]

Thanks for showing us this. I remember when i was a Kid we used flour and water to make glue. Cant wait To see how you make that lacey paper! 💕💕

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Ricki. When I was in school we made flour paste for newspaper paper maché. It didn't smell so hot but at seven years old I thought it was the bomb. 😺

[@kissmevodka]

My grandmother always made wheat glue (possibly using cornflour but not that I remember). This gives me happy flashbacks. 😊 I should get into the habit of making this for some of my projects. Crazy simple and, like you said, cheap as chips. ❤❤😊 Thank you for the reminder.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Maggie. Yeah, we used wheat paste, too, in school with strips of newspaper. It always had an odd smell. 🤔Thanks for touching base!

[@ginah9338]

Thank you so much! I love how you gave us the history of it. Thank you for sharing

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks, Gina. I do love art supplies with a story.😺😺

[@RockyRoadCreationsbyDiana]

What about adding small confetti type paper to the paste for an added dimension? I just found your channel and I love it.❤

[@maestra730]

thank you so much for this!

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is my real pleasure. Thanks for stopping by!

[@NoYBW]

Thank you for the lesson! Looking forward to tomorrow!

[@lynnboyd33]

Thanks Kelly. I'm looking foreword to seeing your part 2!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Miss Lynn. 🌷🌻🌼

[@sabinemetscher6449]

Okay, that part 2 looks artsy 💕🐾🗺️📚

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Sabine, it is, in a good way. Artsy and also very fun.

[@roksannastephens4375]

Hello Kelly. I have used this for my early childhood classes, but years ago.Thank you for the reminder to be mindful of healthier options! Yay!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Roksana. When I was a kid it was wheatflour paste and strips of newspaper over a balloon (remember those?). Crazy how the traditional stuff can still outshine the store-bought stuff. Also, I really like just knowing how to make art supplies in a pinch. It will come in handy when the zombies arrive.

[@AnnieDiscepoli]

adding a few drops of white vinegar keeps the paste from getting mildew or mold, although that usually isn't a problem if the journal with the paste is kept in a dry place

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Annie. Thanks for this tip. I believe you can also add a few drops of clove oil which is what I use in my inkmaking. Haven't tried it in paste, yet. I tend to make small batches as I don't use it often enough to try to preserve it. Thanks for comparing notes! Kelly

[@sheilabartlett6044]

Thank you! This is too funny, on some of my groups there have been a lot of questions about glue and my mind went back to my Mom making glue with flour and water and low and behold here is your video about making it.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Sheila, I love when that happens. Nothing can convince me that ideas don't float around connecting creative dots all over the place. Thanks for touching base! Kelly

[@Bellavintagenotebook2]

Omg ,, this is incredibly awesome Thank you for the share. I’m going to try this ❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Bella, thanks bunches. Just checked out your channel and have to say that you could use this glue in making those beautiful journals, adding papers and cloth to the covers and whatnot. Happy making!

[@Bellavintagenotebook2]

@@BookandPaperArts oh, that is so my attention to figure that out because that will save me a lot of money lol Thank you so so much 🌸🌸🌸

[@pdmullgirl]

I’m so excited to see the process for that paper lace! ❤️💜💚

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Paige. It is on its way!

[@theagraceful]

I wanted to try this. Ended up going to 3 stores before finding corn starch😮. Eeird

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Thea. It is usually in the baking section but who knows? Anyway, if you have finally found it at least you can be happy to know that it lasts for ages and you can make so much out of it. Well done you. Kelly

[@heikesiegl2640]

Was thinking about using this Kind of glue sometime, but i wasnt convinced that it will stick for a long Time. As a child i glued magazine pages in my Cardboard Castle with this Kind of glue

[@BookandPaperArts]

A cardboard castle! Now THAT would make a fine video. Also, I want to live there. 🌷🌻🌼

[@heikesiegl2640]

@@BookandPaperArts haha, yeah it was great😁

[@SR416a]

I used flour and water paste to stick down some lifting wallpaper on a cold outside wall. It went mouldy. Mum used it to make paper mache puppet heads. She varnished them and they didn’t mould. I wouldn’t risk it in a journal.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Well, fair enough and it is important to learn from hard won experience but it is also true that this kind of paste has been used in fine bookbinding for centuries so I'm pretty sure it is a safe bet in a journal. Maybe thin layers and really good drying would help. Thanks for touching base!

[@user-zs7vr5ds4m]

Will a few drops of a mint oil act as a preservative? Thanks for the nudge to use real ingredients in art.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hiya. Probably. My go-to is clove oil but try mint. Also, several people say that if you add a layer of water before you refrigerate it will keep longer as it keeps the paste from the air. You pour it off when you are ready to use. Hope this helps! Kelly

[@katpaints]

Perfect! I started making pudding from scratch years ago and quickly realized that it was easier to cook it in the microwave! I start out cooking it for a minute, and then 30 seconds, until thick, stirring it every time it stops. Water pudding. I make it with just a teaspoon or two of cornstarch when I want to seal paper for painting on.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Kathleen. I like that idea of using it as a varnish or seal and will definitely be trying it. As for the microwave I saw several directions for it but was too spooked to try. Now you have given me the nerve and I will give it a go on the next batch. Thanks for comparing notes! Kelly

[@katpaints]

@@BookandPaperArts Yay!!! We got our first nuker back in the late 80s and I have experimented ever since. A few tips: Do NOT cook a prime rib in one! Metal on your favorite mugs means keep them out. Moisture is necessary to nuke things, and you can start fires without it. We used to use a double boiler for a lot of things, including pudding, and once I experimented to see what worked, I was on my way! LOL! I had four kiddos and a husband who worked nights. Whatever made things easier was good. You do have to be thoughtful, but that's about anything. Try it, you won't figure things out if you can only do what someone else has tried. :D

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@katpaints Hi Kat. Well, since you brought it up, I am going to be a kitchen nerd and say that I bought my first air fryer this year and it changed my life. Yes, I am that boring. Mine has two sides that cook side by side and as I am a vegetarian and husband is a meat-eater we now make similar but different meals at the same time without getting a divorce. I love, love it. Thanks for comparing notes and joining me in kitchen gadget love. 😊

[@katpaints]

@@BookandPaperArts Fabulous - better late than never! I have 4 kiddos so I felt very late to the party by the time we got our first. That was declared to be problematic so we got another just a couple of years later. This one is a toaster-oven type and I love it! I almost never use my big oven now - even baked my last loaf of sourdough bread in it the last time! I was surprised how well it worked!

[@cailinsuiledonn]

Love this cheap & easy hack. I tried the paper & thread technique but i found it hard to tear the pages after drying. Ive watched a few of your videos with the string .... oh my, the options are endless 😅😅. Ive so many napkins, now i have another use for them. Any idea of how to make a finished piece stiffer using eco friendly or diy product ? I'd love to layer to create an art piece ? Thanks so much. Im off to make the paste & have fun 😊😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Cailin. Well, to stiffen fabric and gauze and whatnot I usually use a layer or three of acrylic gel medium. This starch paste here will also help. Maybe you need multiple but thin layers. Stay tuned as I have another napkin-heavy video coming up. I just can't help myself.😺😺

[@cailinsuiledonn]

​@@BookandPaperArtslooking forward to it, 😊

[@Stephh2425]

Does it mold or mildew?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Nope. I am not sure why but it does not and it has been used for centuries and is still the standard so it must come up okay. 🌷🌻🌼

[@LedgerAndLace]

I think this is also homemade wallpaper paste? I read somewhere that you could also use it to adhere fabric to walls as "wallpaper" and it will peel right off. I haven't tried it yet, tho! I have a jug of liquid starch to try instead.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Hali. I'm not sure but wallpaper paste may be closer to a methylcellulose but as with your idea of liquid starch the name of the game is try it out and see what works, be resourceful, and use what you got. Thanks for comparing notes! 😺

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

I am so delighted I subscribed to your channel Kelly! I have most of the materials for the paper lace method but the one thing I forgot (the most crucial part? 🙄😄🤭) was the cornflour doh! 🤦‍♀️ lol 😄 I do have glue, however I definitely want to try your paste recipe.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Sandra. From reports from friends, you can try other glue but it makes the paper more resistant to tearing but why not have a go if that's what's on hand. You can also make paste with flour if you have that on hand. Just go online or here on KZbin and look for wheat paste recipe. Keep me posted!

[@Nanakinsz]

Miss Kelly, I'm curious why corn instead of wheat! And also curious about the longevity (in use, not how long the paste is good in the fridge) of a cornflower paste on a project. Thank you! Can't wait to see what you are going to DO with this next! Hugs, deb

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Nana. Partly it is because of the gluten in wheat which is more likely to attract critters in time but the main reason is that I am more familiar with this one and how it works. I use it when making paste paper to decorate pages (coming soon!) and it's what was in the cupboard. 😺It should last four days to a week then bin it and start over.

[@Nanakinsz]

@@BookandPaperArts I *knew* you'd have a good reason or two! CRITTERS ... is enough for me, I will play with this! Love, deb

[@maryflower3479]

Thank you

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is my real pleasure, Mary. Thanks for touching base!

[@GabrielaMartinez-si5og]

Hi Kelly. Could I add salt or vinegar or alcohol to the mixture when it’s cooked to preserve it so that it last more than 4 days? Thank you.

[@lindafernandez5778]

A $1.92 at Walmart USA😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Now THAT makes a fine art supply, not even kidding.

[@JournalBreezeYT]

I'm absolutely going to try it. Being a vegetarian my whole adult life, I have never owned cornflour or cornstarch, but I'm heading to the store to find it! What kinds of projects do you use the 1 part to 4 parts ratio for? Thanks so much for this info!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

The good news is that it is cheap and lasts forever. I am not sure about the 1:4 ratio. It is very thick but I have used it as a proper paste for gluing things. For paper arts, a thinner paste is more forgiving but by all means play around and see what suits your style! 😺

[@JournalBreezeYT]

@@BookandPaperArts I have my cornstarch now and twines! This weekend will be fun experimenting 🙌

[@patriciadistefano7467]

I was wondering could it be used for collage in journals? Thanks so much for sharing.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Patricia. While I haven't tried it myself as a conventional paste or glue, it is the same kind of glue that has been used for centuries to add papers to boards for bookmaking and so on so - I don't see why not! Give it a try on some scraps and see what happens. Keep me posted. Kelly

[@patriciadistefano7467]

@@BookandPaperArts Thank you, Kelly! I am going to give it a try. I’ll let you know. Love your work!

[@armandaberlin2156]

I love this idea! I just made a similar paste for some paper mache clay (from @ultimatepapermache).You did say that this was something used since antiquity...does that speak to it's archival quality? What about bugs or mould? Did they have trouble with that? Did they use something like cloves for longevity? (Seems to work really well with the handmade inks!)

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Amanda. Yes, you can add clove oil but it is just as well to make fresh batches as needed. As for longevity you are quite right. You are always gong to find nibbles taken out of old books and paper but as this has been the paste that has been used for centuries and the large amount of books that have survived are thriving, you can safely say it is going to go all the way. Hope this helps! Kelly

[@marcialockhart890]

I read years ago that flour was prone to mold and mildew? I live in an area that is damp 10 months of the year. Even with the heat on! Do you know if cornstarch is?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Marcia. I live in Wales so believe me I know what you mean about the damp. The papers worked with flour paste and the starch paste should be fine if they are dried thoroughly before storing or using in projects. Maybe put them in a drying cupboard or incredibly light over for a few minutes? Once dry they should be "cured" and safe. Hope this helps!

[@annmarie2024]

I might want to make lace paper often and don’t want to have to make glue each time. If I wanted to buy a commercial product to make this wonderful lace paper instead of making this paste, what might be my best bet to work? Is there something I could buy and water it down? Thanks!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi AnnMarie. I think I would try a methyl cellulose which is a fancy name for wallpaper paste. You can buy it dry in a bag at the DIY or hardware store or online and it is pretty cheap and goes a long way. Keep me posted on how it goes!

[@Large011]

I really like this paper netting idea but would the craft projects using this paste grow mold after some time ?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there. It should not if you let it dry thoroughly. Hope this helps!

[@Large011]

@@BookandPaperArts Thank you for responding 💐

[@Judymontel]

When it dries, is it susceptible to mold? Being a food item? How durable is the end result and how best to care for those? What other uses are there for it? I like the idea but am still remembering a somewhat problematic experiment as a 12 year old trying to make paper mache with wheat flour paste and the results getting all moldy!! But if I can figure it out, I'd love to think of different things to make with those 500 batches... many thanks!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Judy. It shouldn't go to mould. I strongly suspect that your 12-year-old self may have used too much paste and the piece didn't dry well. (Don't even ask me about when my 12 year-old self discovered hair spray could be a cheap varnish and I thought that if a little was good, a lot would be even better. 😱) The end result will be durable indeed. I just came from a workshop where there were books in the library from the 1700s that had used paste on the covers and they looked great. The best other use is to make paste paper decorating, something that I hope to show soon! Kelly

[@Judymontel]

@@BookandPaperArts I think you're right - it was winter, I was hiding the project on the balcony from my mom and it was kind of a damp area! Oh my - I'm SO excited about paste paper decorating - it comes out textured, right? Thank you so much! I'm excited!

[@kimberlydragone6015]

What about bugs? Are they attracted to the corn starch paste?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Kimberly. It is not impossible but it is unlikely. Wheat paste is more likely to attract critters as they like the gluten. As this has no gluten the chances are even better that you are safe. Hope this helps!

[@Engelhafen]

Why not use liquid starch?

[@BookandPaperArts]

It's purely a matter of personal taste.

[@annadora-arts845]

Kelly will this work with wall paper?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello there. Well, the thing is that it has been used for wallpaper for centuries. I am not sure that I would trust papering my whole house with it as an experiment. So the answer is probably but test it well first. Good luck, Ana.

[@kathyb5740]

Does this "stick" long term ?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Kathy. The jury is out on this one. Certainly it was used in bookbinding volumes made centuries ago that are still here and in one piece mostly. It might depend on what kind of project you are using it for. Hope this helps.

[@kathyb5740]

@@BookandPaperArts Thankyou !!!