How to Make Perfect Paper Finger Talons

Make costume bird talons using basic craft materials.

When you are dressing up as a bird for Halloween, for a theatrical production or for a costume party, you can make the costume look more authentic by including sharp talons that fit over your fingertips. Although you can buy premade bird talons from a costume shop, they can be costly. An alternative is to make them yourself using a few everyday items and acrylic paint.

Things You'll Need

• Flour
• Salt
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Newspaper
• Scissors
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of flour, one-half cup of salt and 1 cup of water into a bowl. Stir the mixture with a spoon for two minutes to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

2. Cut pieces of newspaper, using scissors, to measure 1 inch wide and 4 inches long each.

3. Dip a newspaper strip into the flour papier-mache mixture, then wrap the coated strip around the top half of one of your fingers. Smooth the mixture around the newspaper as you wrap. Repeat to cover your finger with four layers of papier-mache-covered newspaper, applying them one after the other without letting the papier-mache dry in between. Each time, as you get to the very tip of your finger, continue wrapping 1 inch more and twist the tip into a point. Curve the point slightly downward.

4. Gently slide the paper talon off your finger, and lay it on a flat surface to air dry for 12 hours. Repeat the whole process for each finger so you end up with talons for all 10 fingers.

5. Paint the outside of each talon using acrylic paint, then allow the paint to dry for 30 minutes. To wear the talons, slip them directly onto the correct fingers.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep sharp scissors out of the reach of children.

References

• Papier Mache: Wendy's Way
• Kids Crafts Creations: Paper Mache Cat