Paper Mache – an Old Craft

The production of paper mache figurines as filling figures for sweets started as early as in the 19th century and originates from the Neustadt/Sonneberg area. In the toy museum of Neustadt, the production method of the time is still presented: First, they used a mix of flour and glue. Later, in the 1920s, this procedure was refined. Since then, our paper mache figurines have been cast according to the old family recipe. Only few artisans today have mastered this production method.

The process for producing a figurine takes approx. 7 days. In the beginning, a liquid mass of paper and glue and other ingredients is made. This is then cast in hand-made two-part moulds the next day. Superfluous water initially escapes into the porous mould. The next day, the slightly dried cast is carefully taken from the mould and slowly dried further in a room with controlled temperature. On the fourth day, the figurines are prepared for further processing. This way, the figurines can be artfully hand-painted and decorated with creative designs such as landscapes and patterns in the remaining days. Glitter, glass beads and fur provide attractive special effects. Thus, every figurine becomes one of a kind– hand-signed and with a certificate of authenticity.

Particularly beautiful and successful moulds were and still are kept for decades. The artful works of Carl and Ino Schaller are still used today, and particularly popular among the collectors of historic papier mache figurines.