One of the hottest trends in crafts is the use of paper mache. This fun and messy craft can be done by crafters of all ages and all skill levels. There may be no better time to try paper mache than Halloween. Just be sure to cover your table with something disposable since this can be messy to do. Here are some fun paper mache Halloween crafts-
This scary paper mache Halloween jack-o’-lantern is messy to make but a lot of fun. You can either put the pumpkin on a table or hang it from the ceiling with fishing line to make a scary Halloween decoration. It is important to remember that you do not put a candle in this jack-o’-lantern since paper mache is very flammable.
What you will need:
•A round balloon
•Newspaper
•Flour and water
•A pan and a stirrer
•Scissors
•Either orange tempera paint or orange tissue paper
•Paint brush
•A black marker
Directions for the project-The first step is to make the paper mache glue. Mix 1/2 cup of flour into 1/2 cup of water until the mixture is very thin and runny. Then carefully stir this mixture into 2 cups of boiling water (the heating gives the glue a nice consistency, but is not necessary). Simmer for about 3 minutes, then completely cool. Tear a large amount of newspaper into strips. The strips should be about 1 inch wide; the length doesn’t really matter. Blow up and tie a balloon for each child. You may want to place the balloon in a container (like a bowl) so that it is stable. This is a messy project so you may want to work on something that can be disposed of after you are done. Begin covering the balloon by dipping a strip of paper in the flour glue, wipe off the excess, and wrap the strip around the balloon. Cover the entire surface of the balloon. Make sure that you have at least three layers surrounding the balloon. Let it dry (at least overnight) after each layer. Be sure to let the paper mache balloon dry completely (it may take a few days). Pop the balloon and it will separate from the outer paper mache skin. Throw the torn balloon away. In order to make the jack-o’-lantern sit flat on a surface, place a slightly damp cloth or sponge on the part that will be the bottom until it softens slightly (this takes a few hours). When it is a little soft you can push the bottom in, making an indentation. This will allow your jack-o’-lantern to sit flat on a table. If you like, cut a top in the jack-o’lantern (this lets you put candy in it). You can then either paint the jack-o’-lantern orange or apply another layer of paper mache, using orange tissue paper scraps. Let it dry completely. To put a face on your pumpkin you can either draw eyes, nose and mouth using black paint or a black marker, or cut them out with a craft knife.
