Patriotic Papier-Mache Bowls

Robert’s Patriotic Paper Mache Bowls
Imaginative Crafts, Do-It-Yourself Projects and Video Tutorials by Robert Mahar, robert-mahar.com
SUBSCRIBE to Robert’s YouTube channel:

Robert’s 4th of July Inspiration Pinterest Board:http://pinterest.com/robertm/4th-of-july/

Materials:
Recycled newspaper
All-purpose flour and water
Clear plastic wrap
Decorative paper*
Mod Podge
Masking Tape

Tools:
Selection of plastic bowls for molds
Paper scissors
Paint brush
Bowl for paper mache mixture
Whisk
*Source for decorative papers used in video: http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/p…

Directions:
1. Wrap plastic bowl in clear plastic wrap and set aside. The plastic wrap makes it easier to remove the paper mache once it’s dry.

2. Cut recycled newspaper into ½” to 1″ wide strips — thinner strips work best for creating smaller bowls. Set aside.

3. Whisk together 2 cups of flour and 2 cups of water in a mixing bowl. Add additional water as necessary to create the consistency of a thin pancake batter.

4. Cover your work area with sheets of recycled newspaper. Set your plastic wrap covered bowl upside down on top of a can or glass to lift it up off your counter, making it easier to cover in paper mache. Take one strip of cut newspaper at a time, dip it into the paper mache mixture and squeeze off the excess mixture between your fingers. Gently smooth the wet strip onto the exterior of your bowl. Continue, slightly overlapping each strip of paper until the exterior of the bowl is completely covered. Repeat until the bowl has been covered in 3 to 4 layers of paper mache. Set aside to dry overnight — you can accelerate drying by setting the bowl in front of a fan.

5. Once the paper mache is completely dry, set the bowl upright and run a dull knife along the edge — loosening the paper mache bowl from the plastic wrapped bowl mold. You may find it necessary to crack one side of the paper mache in order to remove it from the bowl mold. If so, don’t worry! Once the paper mache bowl is removed from the bowl mold simply repair the cracks with masking tape. Even out the edge of the paper mache bowl by trimming it with paper scissors.

6. Cut decorative paper into ½” to 1″ wide strips — thinner strips work best for creating smaller bowls. Create strips long enough to extend from the inside center of the bowl to the bottom center of the bowl.

7. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge from the inside center of the bowl to the bottom center of the bowl. Lay a single strip of decorative paper over the Mod Podge, smooth and then gently brush a layer of Mod Podge over the decorative paper — this both secures the decorative paper to bowl and seals it. Continue, slightly overlapping each strip of paper until the interior and exterior of the bowl is completely covered. Optionally, cut a shape from the decorative paper and Mod Podge it to the inside center of the bowl — this disguises the ends of the paper strips and adds a nice decorative finish. Set aside to dry, approximately one hour.

Helpful tips:
• When covering the paper mache bowl with decorative paper, you may find it easier to work in sections — allowing each section to dry before continuing.
• NOTE! Your beautiful paper mache bowl is decorative and perfect for holding napkins, silverware and potted plants at your 4th of July picnic. It is not intended to hold liquids, nor is it advised that you use it to serve wet foods.
• Mod Podge creates a pretty sturdy coating over your decorative paper layer. However, you may opt to spray your finished bowls with a clear sealant for an extra strong finish.