How to Make a Whale Centerpiece

Make a whale centerpiece from paper mache.

Whale centerpieces are used to decorate for baby showers, birthday parties and other events. The size of the whale is determined by the size of your table. You can make a simple whale centerpiece with paper mache and a large, round blow-up balloon. You do need to plan ahead because you must allot a full day for your paper mache to dry before you can paint your whale. Add flowers or other items around the whale to complete your centerpiece.

Things You'll Need

• Large round balloon
• Empty cereal box
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Newspaper
• Paper mache
• Plastic container
• Water
• Wooden spoon
• Small flat paint brush
• Acrylic paint
• Meat platter
• Blue tissue paper

Instructions

1. Draw a large triangle on a panel from a cereal box. Make it 5 inches wide and 4 inches tall. Use this triangle to make the tail of your whale. Cut a smaller triangle from the middle of the 5-inch edge to create the V in the whale's tail. Cut 1/2 inch off the 4-inch point of the triangle for easy attachment to the balloon.

2. Blow up the large round balloon and tie it. Attach the tail to the tied end of the balloon. Tape the tail in place by placing a piece of masking tape on each side of the tail onto the balloon. Place the end of the tail so it helps keep the balloon from rolling.

3. Tear 100 strips of newspaper. Make them 1 ½ inches wide by 6 to 8 inches long. Tear more strips as needed.

4. Put down several layers of newspaper on the working surface. Place the balloon on the paper with the tail holding it in place.

5. Mix up the paper mache paste in a plastic container according to the directions on the box.

6. Dip an entire strip of newspaper into the paper mache. Lift the strip from the paper mache and pull it through your thumb and forefinger to remove excess paper mache. Place the strip on the balloon. It does not matter what direction it is placed. Repeat the process until the entire balloon and tail are covered. Apply a second and third layer of paper mache, criss-crossing the previous strips. Allow the balloon to dry for 24 hours.

7. Paint the balloon with the desired color. Add features and any desired designs.

8. Cover a meat platter with blue tissue paper. Place the completed whale on a meat platter. Crunch up several sheets of tissue paper and place them around the whale to look like water.

References

• Stitch n Save: How to Paper Mache the Easy Way