DIY Paper Mache Nesting Bowls

Well hi there!

I hope you guys had a great weekend. The hub and I were home sick with the flu for most of it (I know, even the pharmacist said “It’s a little late to be getting the flu, isn’t it?”. Ha. The joke’s on her.), but in between celebrating our moms and taking naps and watching one too many episodes of Gilmore Girls (while the hubs was passed out, obviously), I still managed to whip up this little post for you. How’s that for true love?

So what do we have here?

Oh, you know, just a budding obsession with all things paper mache (or papier mâché if you want to be like that).

With my elementary school art days long gone, this whole obsession took me completely by surprise. I thought I would make some paper bowls, slather them in paint, and that would be the end of that, but after 3 consecutive days spent covered in flour paste and newspaper clippings, I can honestly say I am a full on paper mache l-o-v-e-r.

Which leads me to the realization that I clearly missed my calling as an elementary school art teacher. I’ll just apologize now for the direction this DIY blog of mine seems to be heading in…

DIY Paper Mache Nesting Bowls

Supplies

Scissors

Balloons

Newspaper torn into 2 inch wide strips

Nonstick cooking spray

Bowl or mug

Spray paint: Primer, Gold, Black

Sharpie oil-based paint pen

For the paste

1/4 c flour

1 1/4 c water

Small saucepan

Make your paste by whisking flour and water in a small saucepan and whisk to remove any lumps. If you have a hard time getting the lumps out of your flour mixture, pour the whole thing into a food processor and blend for 30 seconds, then return it to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and let simmer for 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Let cool.

1. Blow up several balloons in various sizes.
2. Place the balloon in a small bowl or mug with the knot end down. Spray with non-stick cooking spray, then begin lightly coating newspaper strips in paste and laying over top of the balloon. Keep laying down newspaper strips until you get about 5 or 6 layers built up. Let dry for 24-48 hours.
3. Once the paper mache has dried completely, pop the balloon and trim the ragged edges of the bowl with a pair of scissors.
4. Spray both sides of the bowl with primer and let dry.
5. Next, spray the inside of the bowl with gold paint, let dry. Then spray the outside of the bowl with black and let dry.
6. Once both sides are completely dry, take a Sharpie pen and draw a floral pattern on the outside of the bowl.

Original article and pictures take www.wellnesting.com site