Paper Mache Pumpkins

Today we are starting Paper Mache Pumpkins. This craft is messy, fun and long! it takes about a week to complete. 

Tools needed: 
balloons (1 per child) 
newspaper
flour and water
a bowl or 2
orange tissue paper (or construction paper) or if you prefer orange paint. 
a knife 
black felt marker

You start by covering a blown up balloon in the newspaper dipped in mache mixture. (which is basically 1 part flour to 2 parts water) 



Keep covering it until it is covered in a good thick layer and use the orange tissue/construction as the final layers. The kids LOVE this part. 


You need to then let it dry, I usually give it a good 3 days so it's nice and solid. 

On day 4 or so, the kids can pop the balloon, supervise them with a safety pin or needle and poke through the newspaper.

If you chose to paint it orange instead now's the time to paint it! if not continue on to the next step.

Drawing the face, get the kids to draw the eyes, nose, mouth and ears with a black felt. Smaller kids can help glue on pre-cut out black construction paper eyes, nose and ears instead. 


Next they can watch as you cut out the features. 


 
when you are finished you can put a votive light inside and make it a lantern (cut out a lid) 

 

Or you can just use it as decoration.

HAVE FUN!