How to Make Paper Mache Bug Boxes

Make a box in the shape of a ladybug.

Paper mache is a great technique for building three-dimensional objects in a children's project. Using a balloon as structural support while sculpting with the paper mache will allow you to make a rounded box that can be decorated to look like a ladybug.

Things You'll Need

• Balloon
• Flour
• Water
• Shallow container
• Spoon
• Newspaper
• Lid to a plastic container (such as a yogurt container)
• Tape
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Red paint
• Black marker

Instructions

1. Blow up a balloon and tie off the end.

2. Make a paste that is equal parts water and flour in a shallow container. Stir it with a spoon until the paste has a smooth consistency.

3. Tear a newspaper into thin strips. Dip strips of newspaper into the paste and cover the entire balloon, laying the strips smoothly against the sides of the balloon. Apply at least two layers of the paper mache. Let dry.

4. Tape the lid of a plastic container to a long side of balloon, laying strips of tape across the lid in an "X" shape to secure. This will serve as the base of the box, allowing the box to rest on a flat surface. Apply layers of paper mache over the taped lid. Cover it completely. Let the paper mache dry.

5. Paint the paper mache oval red. Let dry. Draw a line with black marker in the center of the oval running from one shorter side to the other. Color in one shorter side of the oval with the black marker to be the head of the ladybug. Draw dots on either side of the black line.

6. Cut the oval in half horizontally, making the cut between the side with the base and the side with the dots so the decorated top will serve as the lid. Remove the remnants of the balloon from the inside of the box.

References

• Every Day Art: Paper Mache Bowls