Get Sticky & Creative: 18 Paper Mache Ideas (Adults & Kids)

Hey there, crafty pals! Have you ever heard of paper mache? It’s like the magical art of transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary creations! Let me give you the scoop on this awesome craft.

Picture this: You take some old newspapers, flour, water, and a little bit of glue. Mix it all up, and ta-da!

You’ve got yourself a sticky, gooey, and oh-so-fun paste that’s ready to bring your wildest imagination to life. Seriously, it’s like the superhero of crafts!

One of the best things about paper mache is that it’s accessible to everyone. Yep, even your grandma can join in on the fun!

The materials are super affordable, and you can easily find them around your house.

No need for fancy schmancy stuff here! Just grab some newspapers that you were planning to recycle anyway, raid the kitchen for flour, and voila! You’re all set to be a paper mache Picasso!

Now, here’s a fun fact for you: Did you know that paper mache has been around for centuries?

Yep, people have been getting their hands messy with this craft for ages.

It’s like an ancient secret passed down from one creative genius to another. Pretty cool, huh?

But wait, there’s more! The versatility of paper mache is mind-boggling. You can create anything your heart desires.

Need a funky mask for that costume party? Paper mache has got your back!

Want to make a giant sculpture of a T-Rex for your room? Yep, paper mache can make it happen! From bowls to puppets to piñatas, the possibilities are endless.

Scroll down below the links for images and design inspiration.

Paper Mache Ideas -Easy Craft Projects for All

1. Make a paper mache pendant lamp with ball and paper strips – hdtv
2. Easy to do hot air balloon with paper mache –hobbycraft
3. Paper Pumpkins for the fall season – modpodgerocksblog
4. Make vintage teacups, decoupage paper mache teacups –pillarboxblue
5. How to make an octopus with waste paper and glue –surpriseaholic
6. Make your own easter baskets with paper mache and strings –readingmytealeaves
7. Crafted with tiny hands, paper mache bowl crafts for kids –playandgo
8. Fairy house lamp with paper clay and plastic bottles -steps and images below
9. Steps by steps process, making a bright and brilliant face mask – MC crafts
10. Fruit-like paper pulp bowls – Red Ted Art
11. Colorful shredded paper craft ideas for kids – teachingideas
12. Bumble bees, the fun idea of creating a paper mache beehive as a costume accessory – Messforless
13. Vehicles for preschool projects, making paper mache rockets –marthastewart
14. Love for minions, paper mache, and toilet paper roll Minions – Video
15. Pull a string pinata for birthday parties –younghouselove 
16. Pumpkin pinata for parties – how
17. Paper mache animal craft ideas

Paper Mache Projects

Creative spring Paper mache projects – poppy-talks

DIY paper mache hanging lantern – gartenzauber

Earth Unity – Paper mache school project for kids – Aprettyhappyhome

Design Sponge (Currently Not Available)

DIY paper mache cactus – step by step tutorial – liagriffith

How to Prepare Paper Mache

Materials Needed:

• Newspaper (the bigger, the better!)
• Flour (regular ol’ kitchen flour will do the trick)
• Water (from the tap or magical well, your choice!)
• Glue (good ol’ white school glue will work wonders)

Creating the Paper Mache Paste:

• Grab a big bowl and fill it with some flour and water. Now, don’t be shy with that flour, pour in about 1 part flour to 2 parts water. Let’s get that perfect gooey consistency!
• Mix it up like you’re whipping up a potion. Stir, stir, stir, until all the lumps are gone and you have a smooth, creamy paste.
• To make your paper mache extra strong and sticky, add in a generous squeeze of glue. Give it a good stir to make sure it’s all mixed in. Now, we’re talking some serious craft magic!

Tips for Layering, Drying, and Reinforcing:

• Tear up your newspaper into strips. Go wild with it! You can make them different sizes and shapes to add some pizzazz to your project.
• Dip those newspaper strips into your glorious paper mache paste. Make sure they’re fully coated, like little paper mache warriors getting their armor on.
• Start layering those strips onto your chosen structure. Whether it’s a balloon, a wire frame, or a mold you made, the newspaper strips will cling to it like they’re giving it a cozy paper hug.
• Remember, my friends, the key is layering! Add several layers, letting each layer dry before adding the next. It’s like building a paper fortress, one layer at a time.
• Patience is key! Let your paper mache masterpiece dry completely. You can speed up the process by placing it near a fan or just basking in the sunlight, waiting for the magic to happen.
• If you want to reinforce your structure and make it extra sturdy, add more layers or even mix in some papier-mâché pulp (a fancy term for shredded paper mixed with your paste). It’s like giving your creation superpowers!

Let’s dive into this sticky adventure together and create some jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, and totally epic crafts that will leave everyone saying, “Wow, you made that out of paper?!” Trust me, the world of paper mache is waiting for your genius to shine!