papier maché

What is the correct translation for papier mache?
My online dictionary translates this to english as paper lamb's lettuce.
Any idiom that is better?
Oh, and by the way, does anyone know what is lamb's lettuce and why is it used to describe this very popular paper sculpting technique?
merci

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Permalink Reply by Frank on August 6, 2009 at 11:36am

Hello Marjorie,

The "papier maché" is a technique using pieces of paper and wet glue. When the glue dries, the construction becomes very strong.

Here's an interesting Wikipedia article about this technique: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papier-mâché

Looks like the English word is "chewed-up paper", but maybe this technique isn't as popular as it is in France. Here, the papier-maché is something kids (but not only) do a lot, and the results can be really amazing.

See: http://papier-mache.fr/

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Permalink Reply by Marjorie Crisson on August 6, 2009 at 2:27pm

Hello Frank,

Thanks for the translation.

This technique is very popular here in the US.
It is kid-friendly and yes, the results are amazing. My students and I use it for many sculpting and mask making projects.

Merci.

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Permalink Reply by Pamela Kingfisher on August 6, 2009 at 3:16pm

Hi Frank and Marjorie,
papier mache was indeed a very popular material in the 18th and 19th century for making toys and dolls. The French and German both were adept at molding it and perfected the technique for mass production. The methods they used were patented and closely guarded secrets. Today papier mache dolls are highly coveted. They have gone beyond the realm of common playthings to become works of art. All original "carton moule" dolls from France and Germany are now beyond most collector's budgets, and you can see them in museums. The dolls preserve folk costume and regional dress now almost completely lost. There are interesting dolls that conceal hand written fortunes, folded papers, under their skirts, with wonderful hand written calligraphy. These are always written in French. I see them occasionally for sale and they are out of my budget.
Pam
PS Sorry I got off track here, however it is a historical cultural reference, so that's my excuse!

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Permalink Reply by Marjorie Crisson on August 6, 2009 at 6:08pm

Hi Pam,

Please don't apologize. Thanks for sharing this lovely bit of history about papier mache!

Marjorie