I guess I have a bird theme going here.
These are some cute paper mache birds we made recently.
They have wire feet which allow you to clamp them on an edge like a flowerpot or piece of driftwood or have them free standing.
- paper towel
- reg. white school and/or tacky glue
- water and recycled container
- thin cardboard from a cereal box
- wax paper
- acrylic or tempera paint
- fine markers
- sealer like Mod Podge (optional)
- med. gauge wire
- embroidery thread or yarn
Take a quarter sheet of newspaper and crush into a pear shape.
Tape into place. You can twist out a beak shape, click on this photo to enlarge to see this.
Cut some paper towel into strips about 1/2 an inch wide or so. Pour some white school glue into a recycled container and add water in a 1 to 1 ratio. Mix well. Dip the strips into the glue mixture and start covering your bird.
With paper mache you want to overlap your strips for strength and smooth them down as you go. Use a few dry strips to soak up excess glue. That way your bird will take less time to dry you just want it moist not sopping.
Leave to dry in a warm place overnight...turn once to ensure even drying.
Out of thin cardboard from a cereal or cracker box cut out a wing shape...I used a teardrop shape. Cut out a tail shape as well.
Take the cardboard shapes and cover in a coat of paper mache.
Once they are covered attach to the bird with overlapping strips. While the shapes are moist you can curl your wings if you wish.
Leave to dry.
Paint with acrylic or tempera.
We used a basecoat first and then added additional color on top.
For the feather and eye detail you can either paint it in with a fine paintbrush or use fine sharpies after the paint has dried.
Younger kids to better with the markers.
To make the feet take piece of wire about 16 inches or so. I don't what gauge this wire is as the label was missing but it's soft enough to bend with your fingers but firm enough to hold the shape without collapsing.