Decide what you want to sculpt out of your papier-mache art project such as a person, a mask or favorite pet. Build a base first with some recycled cardboard to create the shape of what you want. For example, if you want to create a puppy, roll one piece into a ball for the head and two smaller balls for the ears.
Take pieces of cardboard to create an oblong shape for the body. Cut a long piece of cardboard to create a tail and tape it at the end of the body. Tape the pieces together where they should be. This will be a rough base which you cover with papier mache.
Combine one part flour with two parts water. You can also use wallpaper paste with water to make the paste as well.
Take the torn strips of old magazines and newspaper and soak them with the paste. Place the strips on top of the base. Overlap the strips on top of each other, while smoothing them out to create the sculpture. Let it dry completely.
Paint and decorate your paper sculpture when you decide you have the shape you want. If you are making a sculpture with a child you can use beads, sparkles, ribbon and even spray paint.