How to Make Paper Mache Bowls

Paper mache is not only fun but also a great way to indulge small kids in activities that help them learn a lot. With paper mache they can create whatever they want and that too with little or no help from parents or teachers. In schools, children are taught to make paper mache flowers, masks, trees, planets, etc.

However, it is always easy to begin with the simplest of shapes and gradually move on to more intricate ones. And what's simpler than a bowl? If you are new to paper mache, it is probably the best thing to get started with. Learn how to make paper mache bowls and have fun!

Here we'll have a look at two different ways to make paper mache bowls.

The first method uses a balloon as a mold for the paper mache bowl that you'd be making. Before we move on to the steps to make the paper mache bowls, let's have a look at the things you'll need to make them.

Materials Required

• Pieces of newspaper or other waste paper.
• Large glass-shaped container
• White glue
• Small bowl
• Balloons (one for each bowl)
• Flat plastic plates (one for each bowl)
• Tempera colors
• Paint brushes
• Sponge brush
• Adhesive tape
• Glitters and other decorative items
• Acrylic varnish

Once you have collected all the materials, you can proceed according to the steps given here.

Step 1: Drawing the Outline
Since we're using a balloon as the mold to make the paper mache bowls, the first step is to draw the outline of the bowl on the balloon. To do this, take a balloon and hold it in a way that the knot is facing down.

Now, using a felt pen, draw a line along the circumference of the balloon, closer to the knot. Then place the balloon in the large container.

Step 2: Making the Bowl
Before you start making the bowl, dilute the white glue with water so that it is not too thick, and doesn't dry up while you use it. Take some glue in the small bowl and add a few drops of water to it. Then using a sponge brush, stir it a little to get a uniform mixture.

Now, apply a thin coat of the glue on the entire surface of the balloon. Take the pieces of newspaper and keep on sticking them on to the surface of the balloon, till it gets completely covered. Remember not to stick papers below the line drawn on the balloon.

Once a layer is completed, apply glue all over again and continue sticking pieces of paper. Continue till you have formed several layers of paper over the balloon. Now, burst the balloon and put the bowl out to dry.

Step 3: Making the Base of the Bowl
Once the top of the bowl is completely dry, take a plastic plate and attach it to the bottom of the bowl using adhesive tape. Now, cover the base with a few more layers of paper strips and allow it to dry.

The final step in making the paper mache bowl is to decorate it to make it look really pretty. You can use your creative streak to make it as attractive as possible. Just grab the box of tempera colors and give wings to your imagination! Paint patterns on the bowl, or create a collage around a theme.

However, if you have used old newspapers for making the bowl, then stick a layer of white paper over the bowl. This will create the perfect canvas for decorating the bowl with tempera colors. You can even add a touch of glitter to give your bowls that extra shine! Finish off by spraying acrylic varnish to protect your paper mache bowl.

Materials Required

• Pieces of newspaper or other waste paper.
• Flour
• Small bowl
• Large bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Tempera colors
• Paint brushes
• Glitters and other decorative items
• Acrylic varnish

Just follow the steps given here to make your paper mache bowl by this alternative method.

Step 1: Preparing the Paste
The first step is to prepare a paste of flour and water. Mix the flour with water and blend it in the small bowl, till it is relatively thick. Be careful not to add too much water, otherwise it will become too diluted.

Once the paste is ready, cover the large bowl with a plastic wrap and begin with pasting the paper strips. Take the strips one by one, dip them into the paste and stick them all around the bowl, including its base. Continue till the entire bowl is covered and you have several layers of paper. Now, allow it to dry.

Once it is completely dry, gently pull out the plastic sheet. Your paper mache bowl is ready. You can use paints and tempera colors to decorate it in a number of ways. Once you have used your creativity to turn the bowl into a beautiful work of art, apply acrylic varnish over the bowl to protect it.

So, that was how to make paper mache bowls. Once you are familiar with the basics, you can easily learn to make beautiful objects out of paper mache. So, what are you waiting for? Get started and let your creative skills surprise one and all!