DIY Faux Marble Paper Mache Chain Decor

You know those wishlist items you know would completely tie your room together but you still can’t bring yourself to plunk down the cold hard cash? That’s how I felt about all the beautiful, oversized wood links that have been popping up on every coffee table on every interior design blog. Sustainable and sculptural, bold yet neutral, they were that piece that seemed to make the room. Between the hemming and hawing of buying a piece, I thought it would be a fun challenge to DIY it. And if it didn’t work, well that was just another way to justify buying it. Thankfully, it turned out 100x better than I was expecting and just by using what we had at home!

 

Originally,  I was thinking of using balloon animal balloons for the link base like classic paper mache, then I looked at link balloons (who knew these were a thing??) and even turned to Halloween decorations for other chain options. The good thing about quartine is that my usual access to craft supplies is cut off, so I had to get crafty. The aluminum foil worked so crazy well and all in all, this chain only cost around $10! It’s surprisingly hefty and durable. I don’t worry about Hunter knocking it off the table (but I also wouldn’t try swinging it around).

You’ll Need
aluminum foil
school glue
water
newspaper
scissors
spackle
sandpaper (180-220)
liquid sealant 

1. Roll your aluminum foil into long strips (mine measured ~24″). Shape into chain links, making sure to form the links around one another. Cut thinner strips of aluminum foil to wrap around the link ends to keep them in place. Continue wrapping thinner strips (2-3″ wide) of aluminum to bulk up your links. (You could do this with the paper mache part, but this way is much faster).
2. Cut the newspaper into 1″ strips. Mix a 2:1 ratio of glue and water to make the paper mache paste. 
3. Dip the newspaper into the pasts and run it through your fingers to get the excess off. Wrap around the aluminum foil base. Keep wrapping until you reach where the links touch each other. We’ll paper mache those parts once the first layer is done. Once all the strips are on, you can run your fingers over the newspaper layers to get rid of any bubbles and smooth out seams. If you noticed you missed a spot- no worries! You can keep adding paper mache strips. Let dry completely.
4. Turn the links so the dried paper mache parts touch and expose the remaining aluminum foil base. Repeat steps 3-4.
5.  Once the base is completely covered and the paper mache is 100% dry, it’s spackle time! Using the same alternating link method, apply a healthy layer of spackle to the chain with your hands. Let dry. 
6. Once the spackle is set, take sandpaper and start exposing parts of the paper mache through the spackle. This is where it starts looking like marble! Wipe off all the sanding dust.
7. Sealant time! I tried both spray and liquid and had much better results with liquid. The spackle soaked up the spray and never got the shine I wanted. Use the alternating link method again, paint on your sealant coat. Once it dries completely, it’s ready to be styled!

P.S. I posted a video tutorial on IGTV as well if you’re looking for a more visual guide!

I still can’t believe I made this with whatever was lying around the house. It’s already my favorite decorating piece and makes me want to play with paper mache more! If you want a different look for your chain, you can try painting it with stone spray paint, terracotta coating, or an accent color like electric blue. It’s so easy to make, you can make several!