- Age Guideline: 6 Years and Up
- Time Required: 60 minutes (Does not include drying time)
The above age and time guidelines are estimates. This project can be modified to suit other ages and may take more or less time depending on your circumstances.
Materials Needed:
- Large, Round Balloon
- Newspaper
- Paper Mache Paste
- Masking Tape
- Cardboard
- Paint
- Scissors or Utility Knife
Instructions:
Make sure you cover your work surface well. This can be a very messy project!
Tear several newspaper pages into strips. You will want them 1-inch wide and about 6- to 8-inches long. Set them aside.
Use a large bowl to prepare your paper mache paste (Pick a recipe here). The paste will be sticky! I would suggest using a bowl that is easy to soak and clean (glass perhaps) or even a disposable bowl.
Blow up the balloon and tie it closed. Now you are ready to start with the paper mache! (To hold your ballon while you are working on it, you might want to try to set it in a cup or bowl that is covered with plastic wrap.)
Dip the newspaper strips into the glue and spread them onto the balloon. Completely cover the balloon. Let the first layer dry.
Add at least two more layers of paper mache to your balloon. Allow each layer to dry completely before putting on the next layer. once you are done, let the paper mache dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Decide what kind of basket you want to make. You can make one that is shaped like an egg or one that looks more like a traditional basket. Use a pair of scissors or a utility knife and either cut a hole in the side of your balloon or cut the paper mached balloon in half. This second method will give you two baskets.
If you made an egg shaped basket you can now paint and decorate your egg however you choose. You can then fill it with Easter grass and treats.
If you are making a more traditional shaped basket, use a strip cut from cardboard to make a hand for your basket. Use masking tape to attach the cardboard to the sides of the basket. Cover the handle and the sides of the basket where the handle is attached with a few more layers of paper mache. Once it is dry, you can paint and decorate it however you like. You can then fill it with Easter grass and treats.
- See a photo of this craft completed by Kathy Berg.
- See a photo of this craft completed by The Napier Family.
