Paper Mache

Recommended for the older child, but with adult supervision.

Paper Mache Paste
Flour
Salt
Water
Newspapers
Large container
Wooden-spoon

Soak papers in water in container. Reduce to pulp by tearing and stirring with spoon. Drain. Mix in thick paste of flour, water, and a little salt. Stir until paper mache begins to feel like clay. Work with it as if it were clay. It will squish through wire forms. There will be some shrinking as mache dries.

Make a form from wire, wadded newspaper, stuffed paper bags, or balloons. For a flat piece, such as a dollhouse or box, you can use a piece of cardboard. Tear newspaper into strips. Narrower strips work best for a rounded mold and larger strips are good for flat or rectangular shapes. Make the paste. Dip strips into paste, coating completely, squeezing out excess paste with your fingers. Use the strips to cover your pre-made form. If you overlap the strips, your finished product will look smoother. Allow each layer to dry before adding another layer. Cover your form with at least 2 layers. When it dries, you will be able to paint and decorate it.