Dried Flower Expert

I have to make a multimedia painting. I needs some advice for making paper mache.?

Details: I'm working on a Multimedia painting (nature themed). The main focus of my composition is going to be an oriental style tree. In fall I collected bright yellow cottonwood tree leaves, so I will modge-podge them onto the canvas for the tree foliage. For the trunk I would like to use paper mache to create a bark-like effect. Once the paper-mache is dried I will use gouache to white out the newspaper. Once that is dry I will paint it with acrylics.

It has been awhile since I've used paper-mache. Back in the day i would mix flour and water and then dip my cut up newspaper strips in it. What I was wondering is what is the ratio of flour to water that is best? Also, is there anything else that you like to add to the mix that might help, considering I am applying it to canvas board?

Before when I was a kid I just kept adding more flour or water until I thought it was good. But since I am going to apply this to canvas I thought that it would be better to work from a proper recipe.

Thank-you for any suggestions!
good point about the newsprint, I do have a whole bag full of old clothes that I just cut up for rags so that would work great.
I did google it, which is why I came here, sometimes it's just so much easier to talk to a real person.

Google will give you about 60,000 different recipies, but I'd go with your childhood one of mix it till it seems right to you. Or you can purchase the stuff at crafts stores already mixed.

Either way, I suggest using something other than newsprint. Use old computer paper or paper towels and you won't have to worry about the ink bleeding through . Shread fabric and use that for an rougher texture. Burlap or canvas or wovens…tear up an old flannel shirt and use that.