EASTER CHICKS 

Easy craft for kids using balloons covered in paper mache.

 

Easter eggs are made from plastic eggs, also covered in paper mache.  Eggs can be any size (lots available in dollar stores), painted any way the artist chooses, fancy designs or just polka dots. A coat of clear acrylic gloss makes them look great.

MATERIALS

Balloons, about 6 inches high when blown up but this can vary.
Liquid starch and torn newspaper for paper mache.  I prefer starch but you can use a different method.
White acrylic paint or Gesso
Acrylic paints in assorted colors of your choice.  You can use any brand but the little 2 ounce bottles at crafts stored work great.
glue
Feathers from craft store in assorted colors or your choice
Plastic eyes or if you prefer, you can just paint the eyes, color paper for beek or paint

For eggs~ assorted plastic Easter eggs, paper mache (see above), paint, clear acrylic gloss top coat.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHICKS

Blow up balloons to about 6 inches high and tie.  Cover tie with tape.  Cover balloon with a layer of paper mache (torn newspaper strips dipped in starch) making it as smooth as possible, and let layer dry.  When first layer is dry, add a second, and dry.  When egg is dry, add a coat of white paint or Gesso (I prefer Gesso for the way it covers).  When dry paint chicks in Easter colors like pink and yellow or white if you prefer.  Glue or paint on the little eyes and beek.

Chicks are ready for their feathers.  Even little kids can enjoy doing this part with a little help.  Glue and feathers can get a little tricky but it works with a little patience.  Experiment with feathers to get the look you like and have fun.

EGGS

Eggs need just one coat of paper mache and a coat of white paint when dry.  Kids of all ages can paint eggs.  Put out lots of colors as anything can work.  To help kids a bit, encourage them to start with a solid color or two, or some stripes and add designs after dry.  It's easy to keep adding more details to designs as you go along.  When dry paint with the top coat for a great shine.


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