How to Make Paper Mache Flowers

Paper mache is an easy art project which includes covering an object with newspaper dipped in starch. Any object can be turned into paper mache. Making paper mache flowers requires a flower shape covered with the mixture. Your starting flower can be made from anything. Once your initial flower shape is prepared, get ready to get your hands messy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Foam Balls
• Toothpicks
• Glue
• Newspaper
• Starch
• Knife
• Gloves

Make Paper Mache Flowers

1. Purchase a large foam ball and 3 smaller ones. Cut the small balls in half with a knife so you now have 6 halves. The large ball will be your flower body and the smaller halves will be your flower petals. Of course you can have as many flower petals as you wish. Just buy the appropriate amount of smaller balls.

2. Put a toothpick in six places around the large foam ball. Place a bit of glue on each smaller half and place one on top of each toothpick. You now have a large foam ball with 6 foam petals. This is your flower shape you will use to make your paper mache.

3. Purchase a newspaper and tear the paper into strips. You will need quite a few strips. Pour some starch into a bowl. Taking one piece at a time, place a strip in the starch and then place it anywhere on the foam flower.

4. Continue placing newspaper strips dipped in starch all over the foam flower. Place the strips until the entire flower is covered. It is probably a good idea to cover the flower with several coats of paper.

5. Let the paper mache flower dry for a few days just to ensure your project isn't wet. Once it is completely dry, paint it with some bright colors. Now you have a paper mache flower.

6. Make a few paper mache flowers repeating the process. Use them as a room decoration. Make several, painting them different colors, and arrange them in a flower pot. Put the pot in your window and let the neighbors admire your beautiful art work.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover your table with newspaper or some other throw away covering. Although the starch and newspaper mixture will clean up okay, why go through the trouble; just toss the covering in the trash and be done with it.
• Newspaper dipped in starch is extremely messy. Either you'll be covered in starch or newsprint. Why not buy a pair of thin gloves and spare yourself the mess. After you are finished with your project, just throw the gloves away.