13 Fun Paper Mache Crafts Ideas For Kids
Get Crafty With These Engaging and Educational Paper Mache Projects For Kids
Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for your kids that will keep them engaged and entertained for hours? These 13 Fun Paper Mache Crafts Ideas For Kids are fun and versatile projects that kids of all ages can enjoy.
It’s a great way to get creative and explore new artistic skills using inexpensive and recyclable materials.
In this list, you will find some of the most exciting and engaging paper mache craft ideas your kids will love!
Paper mache is a traditional crafting technique that has been used for centuries to create everything from masks to sculptures.
So, working on these crafts is a great way to teach your kids about art history and develop their own artistic skills simultaneously.
And since you will mostly use things you already have at home, there’s no need to break the bank to achieve wonderful results.
From beautiful decorative pieces to toys children can actually play with, there’s a great selection of paper mache crafts here for you to browse through.
Don’t wait to get started – try out these fun paper mache craft ideas with your kids now!
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Discover Fun and Creative Paper Mache Crafts Ideas For Kids Below
If you’re looking for a fun and easy craft project with your kids, look no further than these paper mache ideas.
You only need a few basic materials to get started. So, take a look at the paper mache crafts for kids below and let your creativity run wild!
The options range from home decorations and party props to fun toys and coin banks.
There are many choices to consider, so make sure you scroll through the entire list to see which crafts are closest to your needs and your kid’s liking.
When you’re ready, click the link below the project photo to access the full tutorial—no log-ins needed!
Creating these awesome crafts wouldn’t be possible without the talent and dedication of the crafters below, so consider leaving a sweet, simple thank-you note on their pages.
Planet Earth
This Planet Earth DIY decoration can be used as a prop or even a piñata for nature-inspired and space-themed parties. With proper tweaks and paint, you can easily adapt this paper mache to any sphere-shaped project you’ll ever need.
Designer: Ashley of the The Purposeful Nest
Materials Used:
- 1 Large Balloon or Beach Ball
- Newspaper (2 should be enough)
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Medium Bowl
- Wood Glue
- Flour
- Water
- White Copy Paper
- Acrylic Paint + Brushes
- Masking Tape
Completion Time: Unspecified
Size: Large
Format: Written + Video
Pumpkin
This paper mache pumpkin is a fun and festive way to celebrate the fall season with your kids. Using easy-to-access materials such as newspaper, flour, paint, etc. you can create a unique and beautiful pumpkin that can be used as decor for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
Designer: Kathryn of Old Country Porch
Materials Used:
- Poly-fil
- Grocery Bag
- String
- Freezer Paper
- Newsprint Paper/Newspaper
- Bowl
- Water
- Glue
- Flour
- Paintbrush
- Paint
Completion Time: Unspecified
Size: Unspecified
Format: Video
Piggy Bank
Creating a paper mache piggy bank is a great way to teach your kids about saving money while also having fun with art and crafts. Using materials you can mostly find at home, you can create a personalized piggy bank that your child will love to use.
Designer: Suzy Myers of Suzy’s Sitcom for Ideas for the Home by Kenarry
Materials Used:
- Balloons
- Egg carton
- Newspaper or packing paper
- Mod Podge
- Instant paper mache mix
- Acrylic paint
- Glass cabochons
- Pretty napkins for decoupage
- Painter’s tape or masking tape
- Scissors
- Low temp hot glue gun and glue
- X-Acto knife
- Paintbrushes
Completion Time: 14 hours (drying time included)
Size: Unspecified
Format: Written
Bonsai Tree
If you’re looking for an impressive paper mache project to try with your kids, consider making a paper mache bonsai tree. Using materials like wire, paper, tin foil, and glue, you can create a beautiful and realistic-looking tree that can be used as decor or as a unique gift for a friend or family member.
Designer: STRYKER of InterwebzReview
Materials Used:
- Cardboard
- Glue gun
- Tin/Aluminum foil
- Paper
- Paintbrushes
- Paint
- Glue
Completion Time: Unspecified
Size: Unspecified
Format: Video
Tortoise Bank
Not only is this Tortoise bank a great way to encourage your kids to save money, but it’s also a fun and easy project that will provide hours of creative enjoyment. Let your kids paint the coin bank, play with colors, and get creative with this cute paper mache!
Designer: Unspecified through Find Idea
Materials Used:
- Cardboard
- Paper Bowl
- Newspaper
- Paper
- Scissors
- Cutter
- Glue
- Scotch Tape
- Acrylic Paint
- Paintbrush
- Marker
Completion Time: Unspecified
Size: Unspecified
Format: Video
Hot Air Balloon
This paper mache hot air balloon offers a fun and creative activity for kids of all ages. With the simplest materials, you can make a lightweight and colorful hot air balloon that can be used as a unique decor piece or as a fun toy for your child to play with.
Designer: Kim Hoggan through ThriftyFun
Materials Used:
- Balloon
- Newspaper
- Flour
- Water
- Bowl (preferably metal)
- Paint
- Paper cup or mini cardboard box
- Thread
- Button
- Something to poke a hole
- Paper clip
- Cooking pot to hold balloon
Completion Time: 1 day (drying time included)
Size: Unspecified
Format: Written
Easter Egg
Whether you choose to make it bright and colorful or more understated and elegant, this paper mache Easter egg is sure to add a festive touch to your Easter decor. The hole in the middle lets you fill this big egg with lots of exciting and yummy treats!
Designer: Unspecified through Keep Calm And Mommy On
Materials Used:
- Balloons (1 balloon per egg)
- Newspapers
- Flour Paste (combine 2 parts water with 1 part flour)
- Strips of different colored tissue paper
- Paint Brush (optional, you can use your hands!)
Completion Time: Approx. 2 days (drying time included)
Size: Unspecified
Format: Written
Bowls For Mother’s Day
Making paper mache bowls is a great craft activity for kids to create special and thoughtful gifts for their moms on Mother’s Day. So if you’re looking for easy and meaningful projects to entertain a toddler or a preschool kid, here’s an idea especially for you!
Designer: Jackie Currie of Happy Hooligans
Materials Used:
- Flour
- Water
- Salt
- A bowl to use as a “form”
- Plastic wrap & tape
- Newspaper or paper bags, cut into strips about 1 to 1.5″ wide
- Paintbrush
- Acrylic craft paint
- Craft varnish
Completion Time: 2 to 3 days (drying time included)
Size: Unspecified
Format: Written
Kids Trinket Box
These paper mache trinket boxes can be decorated with various embellishments and painted in endless designs, allowing kids to express their creativity and personalize their boxes to suit their interests and style.
Designer: Jenna of Making Things Is Awesome
Materials Used:
- Shoe Box
- Newspaper
- Toilet Paper (optional)
- White Craft Glue
- Water
- Large Bowl
- White Spray Paint
- Paint Brushes
- Paints
- Embellishments (like Rhinestones)
Completion Time: Unspecified
Size: Unspecified
Format: Written
Dinosaur / Halloween Bones
Crafting these paper mache dinosaur bones with your kids can spark their imagination and curiosity about such fascinating prehistoric creatures. Plus, it’s also an ideal fun activity to prepare Halloween decorations!
Designer: Crystal of Surviving a Teacher’s Salary
Materials Used:
- Newspaper
- Flour (or white glue)
- Water
- Empty paper towel rolls
- White spray paint
Completion Time: 1 to 2 days (drying time included)
Size: Unspecified
Format: Written
Dinosaur Eggs
And speaking of dinosaurs here’s another awesome DIY project for dino-loving kids! Little ones can learn about the different types of dinosaurs as they craft and make eggs for their favorite dinos.
Designer: Ashley DeAnn of DeAnn Creates
Materials Used:
- All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Water (1 cup)
- Salt (1/2 Tbsp)
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- 1 Balloon
- newspaper
- White acrylic craft paint
- Green, orange, or brown acrylic craft paint
- Scissors
- Crinkle paper (optional)
Completion Time: Approx. 2 days (drying time included)
Size: Unspecified
Format: Written + Video
Dragonfly Craft
This project involves building the dragonfly’s body and wings using paper mache techniques and then painting fun, colorful details of the insect. The setting and drying process takes more than a day, but it’s worth it and can teach kids the importance of patience.
Designer: Karen Whiteside of The Classroom Creative
Materials Used:
- Newspaper
- Masking tape
- Pipe cleaners
- Acrylic paints
- Paint brush
- Scoot Brand toilet paper- one roll
- 3/4 cup Elmer’s glue
- 1 cup all purpose joint compound
- 2 tablespoons linseed oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup of flour
- A bowl of warm water
- Mixer
- Gloves (optional)
Completion Time: Approx. 1 to 2 days (drying time included)
Size: Unspecified
Format: Written
Butterfly
With endless possibilities for creativity, this paper mache butterfly is a great way to spark your child’s imagination and help them develop their artistic skills. It’s also a wonderful chance to introduce simple symmetry and new painting techniques to your kids.
Designer: Michelle McInerney of MollyMoo Crafts for Kids Activities Blog
Materials Used:
- Newspaper
- Sellotape/clear adhesive tape
- Paper mache paste (a little wallpaper paste with some craft glue mixed in)
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Wire & pliers
- Glue gun
- Paint & brushes
Completion Time: Approx. 1 to 2 days (drying time included)
Size: Unspecified
Format: Written
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