How to Create a Fourth of July Paper Mache Centerpiece

The Fourth of July is an exciting and entertaining American holiday that is filled with BBQs, Fireworks, and a lot of red, white, blue. There are several decorations that can be displayed for Fourth of July celebrations and a fun way to celebrate the holiday is by actually creating a decoration your self. Using some paints and paper mache, you can create a Fourth of July centerpiece perfect for any picnic table at a Fourth of July party.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• water
• flour
• mixing bowl
• balloon
• pipe cleaners: red, white, and blue
• newspaper
• paint: red, white, and blue

1. Blow up a round balloon until it is about the size of a head and tie the balloon.

2. Mix together a bowl of flour and water for the paper mache mix. The mix should have two times the amount of water than flour to create the proper mix.

3. Shred several pieces of newspaper into 3 inch strips for the paper mache. Layout the rest of the newspaper on the table to help prevent a mess.

4. Set the balloon on the newspaper. Dip a few strips of newspaper into the paper mache mix and apply the strips around the balloon.

5. Continue this process until the balloon is completely covered with two to three layers of the paper mache.

6. Let the balloon dry overnight.

Decorating the Paper Mache

7. Cut the balloon in half the next day. The paper mache should be fully hardened and the balloon should cut easily when using a sharp knife.

8. Use a pencil to draw lines on each half of the balloon to separate it into three equal sections. Label each section with one of the three colors red, white, or blue.

9. Paint each section with the properly labeled color and let the paint dry.

10. Tape on various colored pipe cleaners and bend them into curls or zigzags.

11. Use the other half of the balloon to create a duplicate centerpiece. Show off the centerpiece and display it on the Fourth of July.