How to Make Simple Papier-Mache Birds

Create a papier-mache bird inspired by real-life feathered friends.

Craft unique birds by hand using papier-mache, wire and your own creativity. From elaborate birds trimmed with craft feathers to simple painted ornaments, you can design ornaments according to size, shape and decorating needs. Pair a miniature papier-mache bird with a nest made from Spanish craft moss, or wrap its wire legs around a Christmas tree branch in the spirit of the original Advent birds in Victorian parlors.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Styrofoam balls, 1-inch and 1/4-inch diameter
• Carving knife
• Craft glue
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 newspaper, shredded by hand
• Coil of craft wire
• Wire cutters
• Needle-nose pliers
• White gift tissue, several sheets
• Craft paints
• Paint brush
• Seed beads and craft feathers (optional)

Instructions

Make the Bird Form

1. Shape the 1-inch Styrofoam ball into a tapered, oval-shaped body for the bird using a knife to cut the material. Attach the 1/4-inch Styrofoam ball as the bird's head, using a sharp piece of craft wire with both ends dipped in glue. The wire works as a rebar to stabilize and hold together the assembled pieces.

2. Attach two short pieces of wire at the base of the bird's body to serve as its legs . Dip one end of each wire into glue before inserting it in the bottom. Space the wires about 1/4-inch apart. Bend the other ends to form its curved feet.

3. Pierce the bird's face with a short piece of wire dipped in glue to represent the bird's beak. Cut the wire the approximate length desired for the beak; the papier-mache will craft the beak's necessary shape and thickness. Let the glue dry completely before proceeding to the papier-mache layers.

Make the Papier-Mache

1. Combine the flour and water to make a thick papier-mache paste; stir briskly until the lumps dissolve to form a smooth paste. Trim the pieces of paper as small as possible.

2. Dip the small pieces of paper into the paste and place on the Styrofoam body, overlapping pieces to cover the body completely. Working quickly, smooth and mold the papier-mache surface into the desired shape before the surface dries.

3. Add as many layers as needed to achieve the desired size and shape for the bird's body. Wrap a few layers around the wire legs and beak.

Decorating the Bird

1. Create a smooth finish before decorating by gluing a final thin layer of tissue paper over the papier-mache surface. Before the bird dries, paint it with a coat of white craft paint to hide any visible newsprint. Let the bird dry overnight before applying decorations, such as paint or feathers.

2. Paint the dry papier-mache bird with craft paint. Add craft feathers to form wings and a tail by gluing them directly to the bird. Glue seed beads or miniature beads to the bird's face to form tiny eyes or paint them using the fine point of a paintbrush or toothpick.

3. Let the decorations and glue dry for at least an hour before displaying the bird.

References

• Ultimate Paper Mache: Paper Mache Bluebirds
• Pig Crafts for Children: Stand Up Pig
• Can Teach:Papier Mache Paste Recipes

Resources

• Papier Mache: Tutorials
• Ultimate Paper Mache: Paper Mache Clay Recipe