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Paper Mache with a balloon
Time: 3-5 class periods
Level 1
Materials
balloon(s)
drawing paper
Marker
Scissors
Pencil
Cardboard
Hot Glue
Box Cutter
Cutting Mat
2 inch cardboard strips
scrap paper
paper mache mixture (glue or flour)
The first thing you will do to get started creating a paper mache project is to decide what you will be creating. Simply a paper macheted balloon is not an acceptable art project for my class, you should add to it to beyond just a "ball"
:
Step 1:
You will first blow up your balloon(s) to the size you need. Paper mache over the balloon every day until it is thick enough to not rely on the blown up balloon to keep its shape.
This process is very unreliable, balloons pop and you will have to start over if this happens. Be patient, stick with it. Don't use a lot of glue, keep it dry as you can but make sure all the pieces are stuck down well. Use small pieces so that they lay down smooth on the round surface of the balloon.
Step 2:
Once the Balloon has a few layers, is completely dry, and is hard when you knock on it (like a piece of wood, not flimsy) you are ready to remove the balloon. Removing the balloon is not always absolutely necessary, I find that I usually like to do it just in case the balloon gets a hole and deflates my paper mache project. Tape over the hole, paper mache one layer over the hole.
Step 3:
Attach the side. You may use 1", 2", or 3" strips. You will score the strips so they will curve and bend with the shape of the sides of the digit. If you have strait edges you will not need to score as much.
Step 4:
Paper mache over your letter. If there is no paste you can make some glue paste or flour paste.
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