JELLYFISH ~ PAPER MACHE

Paper mache Jellyfish are easy to make and fun for kids to paint as there are so many different ways kids can make their jellyfish their own.  After Jellyfish is painted, you can add a coat of clear acrylic finish and a little glitter for a sparkly, watery effect.

Jellyfish is created from a balloon covered with a few layers of paper mache. I like to use torn newspaper strips and liquid starch but you can use any paper mache recipe you like.  When Jellyfish is dry it's best to paint an undercoat of white (I like Gesso).  For tentacles you can use wire, pipe cleaners, fabric, or ribbon.  Even paper would work.  Attach tentacles by making little holes in Jellyfish or use tacky glue if using ribbon, paper or fabric. For final coat acrylic paints work best and you can use the little inexpensive bottles sold at craft stores.

For more detailed instructions go to the Easter Basket craft dated Sunday April 9, 2017 in this blog as the projects are very similar.  Follow instructions up to cutting the edge. Where Easter basket has a jagged edge, Jellyfish will be more of a scalloped edge.  After base coat is painted you will attach tentacles and Jellyfish is ready to paint.  Encourage kids to paint their Jelly any way they like.  Attach a piece of fishing line and hang it up!  Make lots of Jellies, they look beautiful together,