Despite the French sounding name, papier maché was not made in France until the mid 17th century. However, they were the first country in Europe to do so. Papier maché actually originates from China; the inventors of paper itself. They used papier maché to make helmets, which they toughened by many layers of lacquer.

From China, the interest in papier maché spread to Japan and Persia, where it was used in mask making and festival activities. Eventually it spread across the world. Large imports of papier macée objects swamped European markets. This in turn led France to start making its own wares, and England followed suit in the 1670s.

In Mexico many papier maché applications have to do with religion and superstition. During the Holy Week before Easter, "Judas dolls" are made. At the Christmas season, the children play with "piñatas". On Día de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, the Mexicans fight Death with humor. Brightly coloured miniature skeletons, skulls and coffins in all shapes and sizes are sold for ofrendas (altar) for their departed loved ones.

Pedro Hernandez Cruz makes wonderful home decor items out of papier maché - trays, coasters, napkin rings. Brightly colored with traditional Mexican designs, they add life and color to any home.

His home is in the state of Guanajuato and his factory downstairs is full of papier maché rattles, fruit, veggies, platters, etc. while upstairs his artists paint colorful designs on each piece.

2006 was Pedro's first year exhibiting at Feria Maestros del Arte. For information call Marianne Carlson at 011522 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com