12 creative paper mache ideas for kids and adults
There's more to paper mache crafts than covering a balloon! Although actually, you'll see from these brilliant paper mache ideas that a balloon can be a super useful tool when you're thinking about what to create.
Whether you want to style your finished craft with paint, trim or decoupage, we've got plenty of fantastic paper mache ideas to inspire you and the youngsters in your life. The great thing about paper mache is that your craft can be stylish and sophisticated or cute and colourful – both are really appealing. Perhaps that's why paper mache projects are so popular with both adults and kids. There's no wrong answer to the question of what to make with paper mache – the sky's the limit!
Keep reading for our easy paper mache project ideas for kids and for adults. Or, if you're looking for a guide breaking down the basic technique, check out our How to make paper mache tutorial.
Easy paper mache ideas for kids and adults
1. Paper mache Halloween candy bowl
Dish up the sweets for the little trick-or-treaters with Clare Buswell’s fab handmade bowl
- Inflate a balloon to your desired bowl size. Use a Sharpie pen to draw a line around the balloon to mark the top of the bowl. Tear newspaper into small squares, apply paper mache paste or Mod Podge to the balloon, cover with newspaper, brush with more paste or Mod Podge again and leave to dry. Repeat for several layers.
- For the base of the bowl, cut a strip of cardboard, make a ring and attach to bottom of the balloon using masking tape. Cut a cardboard circle to fit the bottom of the ring and attach using masking tape. Apply several layers of paper mache and leave to dry.
- Pop the balloon and paint your desired colours and patterns. Seal with a clear varnish, to finish.
How brilliant would this look as a table centrepiece during spooky season!
2. Paper mache pumpkins
Up next is another piece of enchanting Halloween decor, proving paper mache is the perfect Autumn craft! This paper mache idea is fantastic for those who prefer sophisticated rather than scary decorations during the spooky season.
Head to our tutorial here on Gathered for easy-to-follow steps on how to make these dreamy pumpkins. We've also created a YouTube video so you can make your pumpkins along with us!
- Go to the paper mache pumpkins tutorial here on Gathered.
3. Paper mache Easter egg
Paper mache isn't just great for Halloween decorations, it's also egg-cellent for Easter! Whip up our easy paper mache Easter egg using only a few materials you're likely to have lying round the house, then decorate however you like.
We've also included instructions showing you how to embellish your egg using the quilling technique. Give it a go to create a cracking Easter egg that's super unique and has plenty of texture!
- Find out how to make a paper mache Easter egg here on Gathered.
4. Paper mache mushrooms
Grow your paper mache skills by recreating these whimsical mushrooms from brendawalton. Why not make a bunch and attach them to a piece of string for a gorgeous garland? There's always 'shroom for pretty homemade decor in our opinion!
5. Paper mache dinosaurs
You're never too old for dinosaurs! Follow Red Ted Art's tutorial and make these adorable dino piggy banks that will keep your pennies safe and sound. This would also be a wonderful craft activity to enjoy with little ones.
- Head to the paper mache dino piggy bank tutorial on Red Ted Art!
6. Paper mache volcano
Looking for a project with a little more fizz? Then this paper mache idea is for you! Get the kids involved and let them learn how to make this magical volcano with exploding action from a fellow youngster.
The camera work in this YouTube video is a little wobbly at times, but we love the child's enthusiasm for the craft as he build up his volcano using paper mache and chicken wire.
- Find the video tutorial on the haloreachslug YouTube channel.
7. Paper mache trinket bowls
Use cookie cutters (or biscuits cutters, if you're in the UK like us) to make these sweet mini trinket bowls here on Gathered. Follow the step-by-step instructions or watch our video tutorial and discover how to paper mache with PVA glue.
- Learn how to make paper mache with PVA glue here on Gathered.
8. Paper mache hot air balloon
We love paper mache ideas that work for either kids or adult crafters – and this is a perfect example! Encourage little ones to style the paper mache hot air balloon with colourful paint. Alternatively, dress it up in paper decoupage and trim for a sophisticated grown-up version.
Check out HobbyCraft's How to make a paper mache hot air balloon tutorial to see how this one's done.
Looking for more fun crafts for kids?
Check out our round-up of arts and crafts to do at home and enjoy some quality time crafting.
9. Paper mache unicorn head
Hello bright beauty! We love this colourful unicorn head paper mache idea, beautifully decorated by Seetal M.D using paper towels. She only demos decorating the unicorn head (which is lovely to watch!), rather than making the basic head shape, but we'd suggest sculpting it from chicken wire and covering with newspaper squares.
- Watch the paper mache unicorn head painting tutorial on YouTube.
10. Paper mache elephant
Here's a brilliant free paper mache tutorial from the NYC public library. The beautiful elephant shown in the photo was made by Mrs. Hamilton-Grant, who we think must have attended a real world craft workshop there.
The walkthrough shows you how to build and bulk up the elephant from a flat template shape, ready to be decorated in your own signature style. It's the ideal project for adults and kids to craft together.
- Head to the paper mache elephant tutorial.
11. Paper mache tiger
If we were looking for a representation of our spiritual selves in paper mache project form, it would be this tiger. Wearing something orange and with our entire existence being all about craft! Make the tiger with Mont Mart Art's brilliant video tutorial and enjoy decorating your adorable spirit animal.
- Check out this paper mache tiger tutorial on YouTube.
12. Paper mache dragon
Ultimate Paper Mache has plenty of great tutorials on their site, including this magnificent paper mache dragon! The tutorial walks you through creating the basic shape using newspaper sculpted with masking tape – a technique you can adapt to bring lots of other paper mache ideas to life!
- Find the paper mache dragon tutorial on Ultimate Paper Mache.
Get stuck into paper mache today
Paper mache is a truly wonderful craft. There's something so satisfying about getting your hands messy while gluing and sticking to craft your masterpiece. Plus, the possibilities are endless when it comes to what you can make! Give one of our inspiring paper mache ideas a go and let your creativity shine today.
Make your own salt dough
If you loved these paper mache ideas and are looking for more sensory crafts to make with kids, check out our Easy Salt Dough Recipe here on Gathered.
