I’m excited that I am now part of the Elmer’s Crafty Blogger Crew! I have long been a fan of Elmer’s products and already frequently use their glue sticks, glue bottles and paper mache paste. I decided since I am elbows deep in paper mache already, I would create some fun paper mache bowls.
Learning Activity Topics:
art in three-dimensions, paper mache, translucent quality of materials, layering
Activity Description:
Students will use paper mache paste to layer tissue paper and other thin papers over a plastic bowl form to create a paper mache bowl. Using paint markers, children will draw designs and personal symbols on the bowls to decorate. Glitter can be added as a final touch.
Educational Foundation (what is the reason behind doing this educational project?):
1. Demonstrate understanding of the techniques to create with paper mache.
2. Explore how translucent papers interact when layered.
3. Convey personal meaning through designs.
4. Develop fine motor skills through the tactile experience of using paper mache.
Materials Used:
- Elmers Paper Mache Art Paste
- Painter’s Paint Markers
- Glitter Glue
- Tissue Paper (non-bleeding.. gift wrap tissue paper works best as it’s slightly thicker)
- Wax Deli Paper (optional, adds extra thickness to bowls and is another translucent material to work with)
- Plastic Bowls
- Acrylic Paints (optional)
- Vaseline
Steps
1. Put a very thin layer of Vaseline inside the plastic bowl. (Look at how ancient my petroleum jelly is!)
2. Mix your paper mache powder with water in a bucket. I let mine sit overnight so the lumps dissolve easily.
3. Tear up tissue paper into small pieces. I used a variety of tissue papers that were donated or purchased from the gift wrap section at Target.
4. Dip the tissue paper pieces in the paper mache and smooth to the insides of the plastic bowl.
5. Keep adding lots of layers of tissue paper. I added at least 4 or 5 layers of tissue paper. I also used Kabnet Dry Wax Paper
6. Allow to dry overnight. The next morning, gently peel the tissue paper bowl from the plastic bowl. Some of the pieces may come unstuck as you peel it. Use more paper mache paste to flatten the pieces down. Do you like how thick the bowl is? If not, add more pieces of tissue paper with the paste.
7. After the bowl is completely dry, you can use scissors to trim the edges so they are straight. Use acrylic paints, paint markers and glitter glue to embellish your bowls. Come up with personal symbols that are meaningful to you. What designs are you drawn to? What themes do you choose to use in your artwork? What patterns do you like to repeat in your art?
Really great post and super helpful tutorial!
Thanks, Pat!
These are Wonderful! Yes, thanks for the great tutorial. I must try this!
Would like to know how many bowls a 2 oz package makes using the same size bowl,
Need to have enough for 40 kids
I am not sure. It depends on how much they use I suppose. I always buy a lot of these boxes as they are pretty cheap (only a couple dollars per box.) I would say probably 3 or 4 boxes.