DIY Paper Mache Bowl

Turn old packing paper and flour into a sturdy, decorative bowl! Kids will learn how to create a homemade adhesive and mold paper into a 3D shape.

Materials

• all-purpose flour (1/2 cup)
• PVA glue/school glue (1/2 cup)
• room temperature tap water (1 cup)
• packing paper or newspaper (enough for 5-6 layers)
• kitchen bowl (1 for mold)
• plastic wrap (1 sheet)
• ribbon (1 piece for decoration)

Safety

• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Do not wrap string around neck or limbs.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Prepare the mold by covering the inside of your kitchen bowl with plastic wrap to prevent the paper mache from sticking to the bowl.
2. Make the paste: Pour 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of flour into a dish. Stir with a fork until the flour is fully incorporated and there are no lumps.
3. Add 1/2 cup of PVA glue to the flour and water mixture and stir well until smooth.
4. Prepare your paper by ripping the packing paper or newspaper into small pieces with ragged edges (avoid cutting straight lines for a smoother finish).
5. Dip pieces of paper into the glue mixture and mold them around the outside of the plastic-wrapped bowl.
6. Overlap the paper pieces and continue applying the glue mixture until the entire bowl is covered for the first layer.
7. Repeat the process for 5 to 6 layers to ensure the bowl is sturdy and strong.
8. Set the project aside and let it dry completely (usually overnight, depending on humidity).
9. Once fully dry, gently remove the paper mache shell from the kitchen bowl.
10. Trim the top edges with scissors and add ribbon or paint to decorate your finished bowl.