How to Make a Paper Mache Piggy Bank

Learning to save money is an important lesson, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be fun. Follow these steps to create your own personalized piggy bank.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Newspaper
• Water
• Flour
• Small bowl
• Small balloon
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Felt
• Pipe cleaner
• Cardboard paper towel roll
• Knife
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Glue

1. Tear the newspaper into long strips.
2. Blow up your balloon.
3. Cut the paper towel roll into five equal sections.
4. Tape four of the sections of cardboard to one side of the balloon. These will be your pig's feet. Tape the remaining piece where you want your pig's snout to be. Set the balloon onto a flat surface to make sure it stands evenly on its legs.
5. Mix one cup of flour and two cups of water in the bowl. Stir until you get a glue-like substance, adding more water and flour as needed.
6. Dip a newspaper strip into the flour and water. Run it between two fingers to remove excess glue and lay it on your balloon. Smooth it down so there are no air bubbles. Do this until the entire balloon and cardboard are covered evenly.
7. Allow your pig to dry completely.
8. Once your pig is dry, take a knife and cut a slot for money on the top of the pig. This will pop your balloon.
9. Turn your pig upside down and shake it until the popped balloon is lying over the slot. Pull the balloon out.
10. Paint your pig. Be sure to give it eyes and nostrils.
11. Cut the felt into ears and glue them on your pig.
12. With your knife, make a pin-sized hole where you want your pig's tail.
13. Wrap the pipe cleaner around your finger to make it curly. Slip it off your finger and poke it through the hole you just made.

Tips & Warnings

• The newspaper will be easier to work with if it's not soaking wet.
• You can buy plastic eyes for your pig at a craft store instead of painting them.
• Make sure there is adult supervision when using knives.