We had a few friends over today to do some paper mache with us. I wasn't sure how well Daphne or Naomi would be able to do it but I know they'll enjoy painting it once it is dry. I used the recipe from this book. I mixed 2 cups of flour, 1/2 a cup of sugar and some water to make a thick paste. Then add the rest of a half gallon of warm water to the paste and bring to a boil. Stirring constantly until the paste is translucent and thick. Remove from the head and then add another 1/2 gallon of cold water and stir. Easy. I'd really recommend cutting the recipe in 1/4 or less. A gallon of paste is enough to paper mache a room. I am attempting to freeze our leftovers. I'll let you know how that goes.
Naomi wasn't fond of getting her hands messy, neither was Daphne. Naomi was able to have the attention span to paper mache about half of her 1/2 gallon milk container that I cut the top off of. I finished it for her because I knew she'd love painting it in a couple days. I had Daphne work on a flat piece of cardboard I cut from a cereal box. She had the patience to do about 4 or 5 pieces of paper (with help).
Our friends were a bit older and the 1st grader definitely enjoyed this project the most. Here he is concentrating on his work.
Here is Naomi working on her project.
I'll let you know how well this paste dries. It cleaned up easily (just clean up before it dries on your table and in your pan). I used little styrofoam cartons I buy sliced mushrooms in to put a little paste in for the kids to easily dredge their newspaper strip in. Make sure they get the paste on both sides of the paper and then wipe off the excess. This project is doable for the 3 years and up age group but probably less parent help is needed if you get to 5 years old and above. Either way though, it is fun to create.
