Our art group met again yesterday to make papier mache bowls. (Henry is working on his bowl in the foreground.)
Everyone brought a bowl to use as a mold and I covered each with plastic wrap, securing it on the inside with masking tape. Then we had the kids turn them upside down and start layering on the papier mache. We used torn newspaper strips which the kids dipped into a handmade paste mixture.
Papier mache paste recipe:
Mix 1 part flour to 2 parts water.
Easy peasy!
We added a couple tablespoons of salt since we live in a humid climate (it's supposed to prevent mold) and some glue just because. When we did papier mache before we used a glue and water mixture and maybe I just didn't completely trust the plain flour and water this time.
Here, the mess is just beginning. We have some new faces in the group this summer, so I'll introduce you.
Desmond (4) is in the snazzy yellow outfit.
Three siblings working side by side: Choyen (6), Luka (4), and Stella (1 1/2). Stella enjoyed dipping the newspaper in the paste mixture and watching everyone else.
Here, Esme (4) is washing the paste off her hands and playing in the water. And yes, my daughter was here. She and her friend Stella chose to paint with watercolors under the carport while everyone else did the papier mache.
Now the bowls are drying until next week when we'll paint and decorate them.
