The technique of moulding materials such as paper, salt or dough has developed into a genuine craft over the years. One main characteristics of these crafts is that great technical knowledge is not required in order to mould or paint the material: you simply have to be skilful and patient to achieve excellent results.

In addition, the process of preparing the materials is simple and the materials easy to find in specialist stores, as well as in more common establishments such as drug stores, DIY stores or chemists.

In order to create dough figures you will need flour and water because dough is simply a very mouldable, non-toxic grey paste, which is highly resistant once the dough has hardened.

What do you need?
The basic materials to make mouldable dough are very easy to obtain. Most can be found around the house and the rest in the aforementioned establishments. The most important are:
- Sliced bread; glycerine; synthetic or white glue; paint; porcelain paste; any other object to cut or mould the dough.

Preparing the dough
The first step is to crumble the bread into a bowl and mix the crumbs with the glue and the porcelain paste. Once these three ingredients are mixed together, knead the dough until the paste is thick enough to mould.

Then mix in glycerine and leave to dry on a newspaper or heat up at a low temperature.

One very important point is how to store the dough when it is not being used: it is vital to keep it in a closed plastic bag to prevent it from contacting with the air. If this occurs, it virtually turns into stone and is impossible to mould, just as bread hardens if left in the open.

Modelling and finishing techniques
There are no set theories on how to create and paint. This craft is notable for being the complete opposite: your originality will convert your work into a unique creation. Using a moulding tool or a spatula, the beginner can progressively improve his creations until he is able to make all types of objects and figures. The only limit is one's imagination.

This activity does not require large spaces in which to work, nor excessive concentration. It is also very cheap and thoroughly enjoyable for young and old alike. Finally, it is a way of developing and conserving an age-old craft.

More information
There are many books available on this craft, and if you wish to make more attractive and original figures, you should check out the following manuals (in spanish):

Figuras de pan (Bread figures). Includes colour illustrations and a wide variety of bread figures: dolls, baskets, plaits, sweet trays, frames and flowers to give as gifts on special occasions.
Editorial Susaeta

C�mo modelar con arcilla, masa de pan y otros materiales blandos (How to mould with clay, dough and other soft materials). A manual that teaches you how to mould all sorts of simple and classic materials, such as clay, dough or plasticine, and other more complicated materials such as cold porcelain. It gives detailed illustrations of all the different moulding procedures.
Editorial Susaeta

Miga de pan (Dough). A manual for adults with all the various techniques, materials, tools, practical advice and photographs you will ever need on how to mould dough.
Editorial Tiempo Libre Parram�n