[Michelespreemies]

Paper Mache Easter Egg

Instructions for making an Easter egg using paper mache' techniques.


Materials Needed:

Large, Oval Balloon
Newspaper
Paper Mache Paste***
Masking Tape
Cardboard
Paint
String or Yarn

Instructions:
This paper mache Easter egg can be used as a fun decoration, a party pinata, or both!
Make sure you cover you work surface well. I usually set down newspaper first and then wax paper on top of the newspaper. This is a very messy project!

Tear several newspaper pages into strips. You will want them 1 inch wide and about 6 - 8 inches long. Set them aside.

Use a large bowl to prepare your paper mache paste (Pick a recipe here). The paste will be sticky! I would suggest using a bowl that is easy to soak and clean (glass perhaps) or even a disposable bowl.

Blow up the balloon and tie it closed. Now you are ready to start with the paper mache! (To hold your ballon while you are working on it, you might want to try to set it in a cup or bowl that is covered with plastic wrap.)

Dip the newspaper strips into the glue and spread them onto the balloon. Completely cover the balloon, leaving a small hole at the top to remove the balloon (and fill if you are making a pinata). Let the first layer dry.

Add atleast two more layers of paper mache to your balloon. Allow each layer to dry completely before putting on the next layer. Once it is dry, pop the balloon and remove it through the opening you left at the top (If you cannot get the balloon out, don't worry about it too much - No one will see it).

You can now decorate your Easter egg. The fastest way is to paint it with pastel designs. After the paint is dry, you can hang some crepe paper streamers from the bottom if you like. If you are making a pinata, this would be a good time to fill it with treats also.

You can also decorate your paper mache egg using 3 inch squares of tissue paper. Spread some glue on your pinata. Hold the 4 corners of your tissue paper square together and then stick the center of the tissue paper square onto the glue. The 4 corners hould not touch the glue, they should remain sticking up.

To hang your Easter Egg, poke 4 small holes evenly spaced around the larger hole in the top. Thread a piece of string, yarn, or even fishing line through each hole and tie the together at the top. Tie a longer piece of string onto the these.


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There are many different recipes available for paper mache paste and pulp. No one recipe is better than another or the 'right' recipe. Just use the recipe that works best for you and what you are making!

Here are a few options for paste for your paper mache projects:


~Use a simple mixture of flour and water. Mix one part flour with about 2 parts of water until you get a consistancy like thick glue. Add more water or flour as necessary. Mix well to get out all the bumps. Add a few tablespoons of salt to help prevent mold!

~Similar to the above recipe - Put 4 cups of water into a large pot. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil. While you are waiting for the water to boil, mix together 1 cup of flour with 2 cups of water, stir well to get out as many bumps as possible.

~Once the water is boiling, carefully add your flour and water mixture. Simmer this mixture for 2-3 minutes, until smooth. Add a few tablespoons of salt to help prevent mold. Allow to cool before you try to use it!

~You can use regular glue mixed with a bit of water. Mix using about 1 part water with 2 parts glue.

~Use wallpaper paste. Follow the directions from the manufacturer to mix this paste.