Paper Mache Egg Basket

Paper mache crafts are easy to do although they can be a bit messy. Of course, a little mess never fazes a young child; so let them have fun and get their hands dirty while making these great baskets!

Before you get started, make sure you have laid down a plastic tablecloth over your work surface. It will make clean up a lot easier afterwards. For this project you will need:

 

  • 1 balloon per basket
  • White poster board
  • Lots of old newspaper
  • String
  • Different colored tissue paper
  • Sponge brush
  • 1 to 2 cups of liquid starch or paper mache paste
  • Scissors
  • A large plastic bowl
  • Glue
  • White acrylic paint
  • Paint

1. The balloon will serve as the form for your basket, so inflate it to the size you would like the basket to be.

2. Cut your newspaper up into strips. They should be about 2 inches by 3 inches.

3. Pour your liquid starch into your plastic bowl and then dip the newspaper strips in. Make sure the strips are completely coated.

4. Starting from the largest end of the balloon, place your wet newspaper strip onto the balloon. Continue wrapping the balloon in wet strips until every surface has been covered twice. Be sure to leave the area where you have knotted the balloon free from newspaper, though.

5. Using your piece of string, secure it around the balloon knot and then hang the paper mache balloon up to dry. It will probably need to dry overnight.

6. Once the newspaper strips have completely dried, carefully deflate and remove the balloon from the newly formed shell.

7. Paint the basket shell with white acrylic paint. This will help give your basket a much smoother base.

8. While you are waiting for the acrylic paint to dry, use the poster board to make a handle for your basket. Secure the handle with glue or staples.

9. Finally, it is time to decorate your basket! Grab the sponge brush and apply a light coat of glue onto the basket. Gently place the tissue paper on the basket. Use the sponge brush to smoothe out the tissue paper. It may be easier to apply the tissue paper if it has been pre-cut into smaller strips. Alternatively, you can paint your basket. Just make sure it is completely dry before your break out the paint brush.