SNAKE PAPER MACHE CRAFT 

 A snake is a fun craft for kids and paper mache is an easy way to create simple snakes, any size, in any number of poses and positions.  Make one for a child, ready to paint, or make one with a child if time and space allow.  I often create paper mache projects for kids spending time in the hospital as it gives them something different, fun and creative to do.  Who wouldn't love a three foot long snake to paint any way you choose! 

I love Paper mache  because it is a fairly simple, inexpensive way to make just about anything, any size. It can be a little time consuming and takes a little practice at first but results are worth the effort. 

See pictures below for help ~  

Materials you will need ~

One cardboard tube left over from wrapping paper etc.  Or you can just roll up newspaper.

Newspaper 

Masking Tape

Liquid Starch (found at larger markets and Smart and Final) for Paper Mache (I prefer starch but you can use another method if you prefer such as flour and water or glue and water).

Wax Paper

Gesso (white base paint) or another white acrylic paint for base coat.

Acrylic paints in assorted colors or colors of choice.  You can use any acrylic paints but I prefer the inexpensive two ounce bottles found at all arts and crafts stores.  These paints cover well and can be used right from the bottle, just as they are.

Clear gloss acrylic top coat.

Instructions ~

Create your basic snake out of the cardboard tube which is about 3 feet long or use rolled up newspaper if you  don't have a tube.  Twist the tube a bit to loosen it up and create some curves.  Don't worry if it breaks open here and there, that will be covered up later.  

Next wrap pieces of newspaper around the tube to make it smooth, taping as you go.  Create some good curves by bending here and there and use lots of tape.  Curves may not stay in place at this time but as you add the paper mache, you can force it a bit.  You can use some rocks or cans to hold your snake curves in place while it dries.

Cut the snake head (2 pieces, a front and back) out of cardboard.  The size will depend on the size of your snake.  You will want the top part of the head a bit wider than the snake body (as shown in the photo).  Our snake is about 3 feet long and the head is about 3 1/2" by 5".  The shape is simple, similar to a pear.  Cut a tongue out of poster board.

Tape the 2 head pieces to end of snake.  Press the end of the snake first to flatten it a bit.  Tape the two head pieces together to the body rounding the cardboard edges a bit as you go.  Leave a little opening for the tongue, push tongue piece in and curve it a bit.

For the tail end of the snake, simply twist it a bit tighter and narrower and trim if necessary and then tape.

Use a lot of tape to make snake as smooth as you can before applying paper mache.  Tear strips of newspaper and dip them in starch, squeegee with fingers and apply to snake.  Make strips as smooth as possible.  You probably won't need a second layer but if you would like one, let first layer dry first. Gently force your curves and use some large rocks or canned goods to hold them in place if necessary.  Place snake  on wax paper to dry so it will lift off easily.

After snake is dry, paint an undercoat of white with Gesso.  When undercoat is dry, snake is ready for painting.  Be sure to ask kids which colors they would like and encourage them to paint their snake any way they choose.  One way that works well is to paint rings of different colors, and after dry, add designs like dots and lines.  Add a coat of clear acrylic top coat when paint is dry for extra shine and protection.

 Ready to paint, making a snake face!