How to Make a Papier-Mache Piggy Bank Out of a Balloon

No matter how technologically savvy kids become, they seem to have an enduring love for old-fashioned piggy banks. But since half the fun of a piggy bank is breaking it open when it's time to spend those savings on a treat, all those pricey ceramic collectibles out there kind of miss the point. A piggy bank made out of a balloon and household recyclables, on the other hand, is a fun craft that you can smash to bits with no remorse.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1 large round latex balloon
• Papier-mâché paste (see Tips)
• Newspaper
• 3 empty toilet paper rolls
• Sharp scissors or box cutter
• Double-sided tape (optional)
• Paint
• Black permanent marker
• Two triangles cut out of card stock
• Curled ribbon, curled paper or pipe cleaner

1. Blow up a balloon and tie it off. Mix your favorite papier-mâché paste, and rip some newspaper into 1-inch-wide strips. The strips can be as long as you want, though make them at least 5 inches long.

2. Dip the newspaper into the paste and wrap it around the balloon until the balloon is completely covered. Make at least three full layers.

3. Cut two toilet paper rolls in half — these four bits of cardboard will be the pig's legs. Hold the balloon sideways and attach the legs to one of the longer sides of the balloon. Lightly tape them in place and then cover the cardboard rolls in papier-mâché so that they stick to the balloon on their own; be sure to overlap the underbelly and put one layer all over the piggy so that all the papier-mâché looks uniform. You will want at least three layers of papier-mâché on the feet.

4. Cut the last paper towel roll one-quarter in from the end. The short piece will be the snout. Attach it to the short, rounded end of the balloon using the method in Step 3. You will need at least three layers of papier-mâché for the nose, too. When you're done attaching the newspaper strips, let the piggy bank dry overnight.

5. Cut a hole in the top of the piggy bank big enough to fit a quarter or a folded dollar bill. This will pop the balloon, which you can retrieve if you like or leave in the piggy bank.

6. Decorate the piggy bank. Paint it pink, or any color you like. Use a black permanent marker to draw the eyes and the nostrils on the snout. Attach a piece of curled ribbon, curled paper or a pipe cleaner in the same color as the paint to make a tail. Cut out two triangles of card stock in a matching color to make ears. Use a few dots of craft glue to attach the ears to the piggy bank.

Tips & Warnings

• Add any other decorations you like, such as glitter or stickers. Use googly eyes instead of black marker.

• To make your own papier-mâché paste, mix 1/2 cup flour and 2 cups water and stir. When the mixture is fully blended, add 2 cups boiling water and 3 tablespoons sugar, stir and let the paste cool before applying it to the balloon.

References

• Disney FamilyFun: Best Papier-Mâché Recipe