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.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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
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-
1
Make papier-mache paste. (See "How to Make Papier-Mache Paste.")
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2
Cut sheets of newspaper into strips 2 inches wide.
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3
Blow up a balloon to the size of the bat you want to create.
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4
Tie off the balloon with a long string so you can hang it to dry.
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5
Dip one strip of the paper into the paste at a time.
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6
Apply each strip to the balloon after dipping.
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7
Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the balloon is covered. The more layers you apply, the stronger the finished craft will be.
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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.
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9
Insert a needle into the base of the balloon until you hear a pop.
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10
Paint the ball black. Let it dry.
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11
Measure across the balloon and add 12 inches to that length.
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12
Using that number, cut a piece from a black trash bag that long and 6 inches wide.
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13
Fold the plastic piece in half.
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14
Scallop the edges.
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15
Place a black pipe cleaner in the fold of the plastic square, and staple or glue it into place for wings.
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16
Glue wings to the top and back of the bat.
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17
Cut ears from black construction paper and glue them into place.
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18
Attach large wiggly eyes, or make your own from construction paper.
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19
Tape string or a piece of black elastic to the bat's back, and hang it from the ceiling for a flying effect.
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1
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.
