DIY Project

Paper

Paper mache bowl

Layer newspaper strips over a balloon with flour paste, pop the balloon, and paint a real bowl to keep treasures in.

Paper mache bowl
LevelAdvanced
AgesAges 7 to 10
Time1 1/2 hours over 3 days
Cost$2 to $6

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

This bowl isn't food safe, so use it for keys and treasures, and skip balloons for anyone with a latex allergy.

  1. Step 1: Mix the paste
    1

    Mix the paste

    Whisk flour, water and salt into a smooth paste like pancake batter.

  2. Step 2: Set the balloon
    2

    Set the balloon

    Blow up the balloon and rest it, tied end down, in a cup.

  3. Step 3: Add the first layer
    3

    Add the first layer

    Dip a strip, slide it between 2 fingers to wipe off extra, and lay it on the top half of the balloon.

  4. Step 4: Build 4 layers
    4

    Build 4 layers

    Cover the top half in strips, crisscrossing each layer. Do at least 4 layers.

  5. Step 5: Let it dry
    5

    Let it dry

    Let it dry 24 hours. Add 2 more layers and dry again.

  6. Step 6: Pop and trim
    6

    Pop and trim

    Pop the balloon and pull it out. Trim the rim with scissors.

  7. Step 7: Paint and seal
    7

    Paint and seal

    Paint the bowl inside and out. Seal it with Mod Podge.

Edie's tip

Do the last layer with plain white paper. Paint covers it in 1 coat instead of 3.

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