Wallpaper Paste
* 1 cup flour (wheat, corn, or rice)
* 3 teaspoons alum
* water
* 10 drops oil of cloves (natural preservative)

Combine the flour and alum in a double boiler. (If you don’t have a double boiler, set a smaller pan inside a bigger one that contains enough water that can be brought to a boil without overflowing). Add enough water to make a consistency of heavy cream; stir until blended. Heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened to a gravy texture. Let cool. Stir in the clove oil. Pour into a glass jar with a screw top. Apply with a glue brush.
Makes 1 cup
Shelf Life: 2 weeks refrigerated

Have made and used it before.  Long time ago.