How to Make Paper Mache Animals Out of Recycled Materials

Use a solid base for the strongest paper mache animal.

Paper mache is a craft that involves molding shapes by layering strips of paper with a paste that is usually made of flour and water. After a layer dries, you add another, and soon you have a solid and sometimes flexible shape. Pinatas are intentionally hollowed paper mache objects made for breaking. You can also cover a solid object with paper mache for a more solid and long-lasting object. This is a fun project for children.

Things You'll Need

• Flour
• Water
• Newspaper
• Recycled paper
• Used animal toys
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Blend together a cup of flour with two cups of water.The mixture should resemble a slightly runny paste, so add more water or flour as needed to reach the right consistency.

2. Rip the recycled paper and newspaper into half-inch wide strips. Rip them by hand rather than using scissors to cut them; the ripped paper fibers will make a stronger mold.

3. Clean and dry used animal toys or figurines. Start with a toy that's about 6 inches to 10 inches tall. Once you're comfortable with the process, you can work with smaller and/or larger objects.

4. Protect a cloth animal toy or one you're using for a mold only by covering it completely in plastic wrap. Tuck the plastic wrap in tightly so the shape of the animal is clear.

5. Dip the paper strips into the flour/water mixture and layer them on top of the toy. For a project in which you plan to cover the toy completely, apply a layer all the way around the toy and set it aside to let it dry. For one where you're only using the toy as a mold, cover only half of the toy and let the layer dry. You will be applying five layers in total. For a mold-only toy, turn it over and repeat all five layers on the other side. Connect the two paper mache halves with more strips of flour/water paper.

6. Decorate the toys with paints, stickers, and recycled objects for a finished look.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an eye on small children,s as they may try to eat the paper mache paste. It won't hurt them, but they won't like the taste.

References

• Ultimate Paper Mache: Paper Mache Recipes

Resources

• Ultimate Paper Mache: Tutorials