How to Make Paper Balloons

Creating anything from paper mache is a bit messy, but it's a great activity for a rainy day. You don't have to be elaborate and create something fancy to impress a child. Create a simple balloon out of paper mache and you will easily impress a child.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Balloon
• Paper
• Flour
• Water
• Styrofoam bowls
• Straight pin
• Paint
• Paint brush

1. Blow up a balloon and tie a knot in the end. Make sure that it is firm, but not so firm that it will easily pop.

2. Cut strips of paper into 2 by 3-inch strips. Use newspaper if you intend to paint the balloon after the paper mache is dried. Use colored tissue paper if you don't want to paint the balloon.

3. Make a paste out of flour and water. Mix 1 cup of flour with 2 cups of water. Use a wire whisk to combine the paste, stirring it until there are no lumps left.

4. Dip one piece of paper into the paste. Place the paper on the balloon and spread it out so there are no air bubbles in it. Continue to cover the balloon in pasted paper until the entire balloon is covered in one layer of paper. Let the balloon dry thoroughly.

5. Add an additional layer of paper strips to the balloon. Cover the entire balloon. Let the paste dry.

6. Pop the balloon with a straight pin once the paper balloon is completely dry.

7. Set the balloon on a Styrofoam bowl. Use the bowl as a base to hold the balloon while you paint it. Let the paint dry, then attach a string to the top of the balloon and hang it from the ceiling.