How to Make a Papier-Mâché Bat

You've mastered the jack-o'-lantern and the scary spider webs? Want to add something more unusual to your Halloween decorations? Try a papier-mache bat.

Things You'll Need

• Tempera Paints (black)
• Round Balloons
• Pipe Cleaners (black)
• String
• Large Wiggly Eyes
• Measuring Tapes
• Hobby Paintbrushes
• Black Trash Bags
• Scissors
• Construction Paper (black)
• Elastic Strands (black)
• White Glues
• Needles
• Old Newspapers

Instructions

1. Make papier-mache paste. (See "How to Make Papier-Mache Paste.")

2. Cut sheets of newspaper into strips 2 inches wide.

3. Blow up a balloon to the size of the bat you want to create.

4. Tie off the balloon with a long string so you can hang it to dry.

5. Dip one strip of the paper into the paste at a time.

6. Apply each strip to the balloon after dipping.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the balloon is covered. The more layers you apply, the stronger the finished craft will be.

8. Hang the balloon in a warm place and let it dry for 24 hours. Place a newspaper under the hanging balloon to catch any drips.

9. Insert a needle into the base of the balloon until you hear a pop.

10. Paint the ball black. Let it dry.

11. Measure across the balloon and add 12 inches to that length.

12. Using that number, cut a piece from a black trash bag that long and 6 inches wide.

13. Fold the plastic piece in half.

14. Scallop the edges.

15. Place a black pipe cleaner in the fold of the plastic square, and staple or glue it into place for wings.

16. Glue wings to the top and back of the bat.

17. Cut ears from black construction paper and glue them into place.

18. Attach large wiggly eyes, or make your own from construction paper.

19. Tape string or a piece of black elastic to the bat's back, and hang it from the ceiling for a flying effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover your work area with lots of newspaper or a drop cloth. This is a very messy craft.

• Refer to "How to Make a Papier-Mache Pumpkin" if you'd like to make both crafts at the same time.