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!

 

 

 

WATERCOLOR PAINTING PACK ~ MERMAIDS, CASTLES, AND UNICORNS

Watercolor Painting Pack contains all supplies needed for an easy, fun, watercolor painting experience, for kids and adults.  Six different designs are pre printed on fine quality 140 lb watercolor paper along with a 12 color set of fine quality semi moist watercolors from Jack Richeson and 2 brushes.

Watercolor painting can be done in several ways, in the lines or outside the lines, wild and free.  The lines will show through so anything goes.  Tips are included as well as an extra sheet of watercolor paper for practicing and experimenting.

Watercolor Painting Packs are available at etsy.com/shops/littleislandcompany

VALENTINE HEART 

A big paper mache heart with a special place for valentine goodies ~

cards, candies, and other good things.

 

Large paper mach heart with slot for goodies is about 21" across and is similar to the large paper mache kid's heart project below.  You can follow the tips and instructions for the Kids Heart project with a few adjustments and additions.  The basic instructions as to how to mark and cut heart out of cardboard are the same as are the instructions for paper mache.   Following are the changes for the beautiful and welcoming front door heart.

 

After you mark and cut the basic heart you will also mark and cut a second piece which will be attached to the first piece, creating the front slot for goodies.

After marking and cutting the first heart (our is 21") you will mark and cut a second piece after cutting off the top portion (about 7") so you will have a heart piece minus it's top.  You will also need a side piece of cardboard about 1" wide and 30" long, or long enough to fit front piece to back (as the side ).  You will work this piece with your hands a bit to make it curve, bending as you go.  Cardboard is great this way as it is so easy to use and the paper mache covers up any bumps and imperfections.

Same as it is for the first heart project you will cover your heart and heart front piece with paper mache.  You will not be putting them together yet, that won't happen until both hearts are dry.  After they are dry (don't forget to use weights to keep them flat while drying on wax paper), you will tape the long side piece in place joining both heart pieces together.  After side piece is taped in place, you will paper mache the sides and ends.  To keep the heart in shape and so top won't sag in a bit, you can stuff a little newpaper in the slot while sides are drying.  After the sides are dry, paint the entire piece with Gesso (or any white acrylic paint, even house paint) and after that is dry, you are ready to paint your design.

Have fun with your design.  You can copy the sample or do whatever you like.  I love folk art and I usually end up with a folk art look to my projects.  I don't like to worry about my design being too balanced and perfect so I just dive in and see where it goes.  I start with simple shapes, lines, etc and then just keep adding more designs and details.  Acrylics make it easy to keep adding more paint to your designs and as a last step it's easy to add more hearts and flowers or white dots and lines here and there for extra pop.  

 

Finish with a clear acrylic top coat and a hanging wire.  Hang on your front door and hope for the best.  At the very least it will make people smile and that's always a good thing.

 

 

 

   

VALENTINE CRAFT FOR KIDS (ADULTS TOO)

EASY, LARGE SIZE (24") PAPER MACHE VALENTINE FOR FRONT DOOR OR WHEREVER NEEDED.  THIS IS AN ESPECIALLY FUN PROJECT TO DO WITH 2 OR 3 KIDS AS THEY CAN EACH PAINT THEIR OWN SECTION AND IT ALWAYS WORKS AS COLOR CHOICES ARE LIMITED. 

MATERIALS ~

LARGE PIECE OF CARDBOARD, PURCHASED IN SHEETS FROM ART SUPPLY/FRAMER/JANITORIAL SUPPLY OR A LARGE BOX AT LEAST 24" ACROSS.

A HEART PATTERN, 24" ACROSS.  EASIEST WAY TO MAKE PATTERNS IS WITH NEWSPAPER.  FOLD, DRAW, AND CUT.  TRACE ON CARDBOARD.

LIQUID STARCH OR ANOTHER PAPER MACHE MEDIUM.  I PREFER STARCH AND YOU CAN FIND IT AT SMART AND FINAL OR LARGE MARKETS.  TORN NEWSPAPER STRIPS.

GESSO OR ANOTHER WHITE ACRYLIC PAINT FOR BASE.

ASSORTED ACRYLIC PAINTS, RED, AND OTHER COLORS YOU CHOOSE SUCH AS PINK, MAGENTA, PURPLE, YELLOW, WHITE, AND ORANGE.

WIRE FOR HANGING, AND CLEAR GLOSS ACRYLIC SPRAY OR LIQUID FOR A SHINY TOP COAT.

MARK AND CUT HEART PATTERN.  WE MADE OURS 24" ACROSS BUT ANY SIZE WILL WORK.  TRACE PATTERN ON TO YOUR CARDBOARD AND CUT.  A KNIFE WORKS BEST BUT BE REALLY CAREFUL.  COVER WITH A LAYER OF PAPER MACHE, NEWSPAPER STRIPS DIPPED IN LIQUID STARCH,  SET IT TO DRY ON WAX PAPER AS IT WILL BE EASY TO REMOVE WHEN DRY.  MAKE SURE YOU PUT SOME WEIGHTS ON YOUR HEART HERE AND THERE SO IT WILL NOT CURL.  AS HEART IS DRYING, MOVE THE WEIGHTS AROUND NOW AND THEN.  FRUIT, ROCKS, CANS ALL WORK WELL.

WHEN HEART IS DRY, PAINT WHITE.  YOU CAN PAINT DIRECTLY ON THE NEWSPAPER BUT I FIND COLORS ARE BRIGHTER WHEN PAPER MACHE IS PAINTED WHITE.  I PREFER GESSO FOR THE WAY IT COVERS BUT A WHITE ACRYLIC WILL DO OR EVEN WHITE HOUSE PAINT, WATER BASE.

AT THIS POINT YOU CAN EITHER PAINT YOUR HEART ONE COLOR, SUCH AS RED, AS I DID OR YOU CAN PAINT IT ANY WAY YOU CHOOSE.  FOR THE KIDS I FELT A RED BACKGROUND WAS A GOOD PLACE TO START AS I KNEW IT WOULD TIE EVERYTHING TOGETHER AND IT WOULD MAKE IT EASY FOR THEM TO ADD THEIR OWN DESIGNS.

PUT AN ASSORTMENT OF COLORS ON A FEW PAPER PLATES, YOU WON'T NEED A LOT.  I USE THE ACRYLIC CRAFT PAINTS IN THE SMALL 2 OUNCE BOTTLES SOLD AT CRAFT STORES.  I CHOSE PURPLE, ORANGE, MAGENTA, WHITE, AND YELLOW AS I THINK THEY WORK WELL TOGETHER ON RED. I TOLD THE KIDS THEY EACH HAD 1/3 OF THE HEART TO PAINT THEIR OWN DESIGN AND I SUGGESTED, DOTS, HEARTS, "LOVE", LINES, ANY DESIGN OR PATTERN THEY WANTED.  WITH KIDS, JUST A FEW SUGGESTIONS HELPS THEM GET STARTED AND THEY ARE ALWAYS OPEN TO A LITTLE HELP.

AFTER HEART IS DRY, ADD THE SHINY TOP COAT AND HANGING WIRE.

VALENTINE CARDS PAINT PACK

VALENTINE CARDS PAINT PACK CONTAINS 12 PRE-PRINTED  CARDS (FLAT, 4X5) WITH ENVELOPES, A 12 COLOR SET OF JACK RICHESON SEMI MOIST FINE QUALITY WATERCOLOR PAINTS, PAINT BRUSH, SMALL PACK OF RED GLITTER, AND A FEW HELPFUL TIPS.

 

CARDS COME IN 6 DIFFERENT ORIGINAL, HAPPY,  DESIGNS (2 OF EACH) PRINTED ON FINE QUALITY 140 LB WEIGHT WATERCOLOR PAPER.  PACK IS SUITABLE FOR KIDS (5 AND UP) AND ADULTS.  RED GLITTER IS INCLUDED FOR ADDING A SPARKLE HERE AND THERE.  

 

PRE-PRINTED PAPERS ARE FUN TO PAINT AND GOOD PRACTICE FOR DOING YOUR OWN.  KIDS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PAINT THEIR CARDS ANY WAY THEY CHOOSE AND "STAYING IN THE LINES" IS NOT A REQUIREMENT.  LINES WILL STILL SHOW UP IF PAINTED OVER.  IT'S NICE TO GET KIDS FAMILIAR WITH WATERCOLORS STARTING AT A YOUNG AGE AND PRE-PRINTED PAGES (OR CARDS) ARE A GOOD WAY TO START.

PAPER MACHE CAT

PAPER MACHE CAT IS AN EASY FUN ART PROJECT FOR KIDS OR ADULTS. THIS IS A GREAT PROJECT FOR KIDS SPENDING QUIET TIME AT HOME, IN THE HOSPITAL OR CLINIC AS I HAVE FOUND MOST KIDS ENJOY PAINTING PAPER MACHE OBJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN CREATED FOR THEM AND FOR MOST, IT'S SOMETHING NEW.   IT'S ALSO A CHANGE FROM PAINTING OR DRAWING ON PAPER.  KIDS TYPICALLY LIKE CATS OR DOGS, OR BOTH, AND IT'S FUN FOR THEM TO PAINT THEIR ANIMAL ANY COLORS OR DESIGNS THEY CHOOSE.  IT'S ALSO FUN THAT IT'S A BOX FOR "STUFF" AS WELL.  KIDS CAN ALSO DO THE PAPER MACHE PART OF THE PROJECT, ESPECIALLY IF THERE ARE NO TIME RESTRICTIONS.   IN THIS CASE I CREATED CATS FOR KIDS TO PAINT AS THE KIDS I  WORK WITH HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME AND PAPER MACHE HAS A LONG DRYING TIME (ABOUT A DAY).  YOUNGER KIDS PREFER ADULT ASSISTANCE AS IT TAKES PRACTICE AND CAN BE A LITTLE TOO TEDIOUS FOR THEM.  THIS PROJECT, PRESENTED READY TO PAINT IS A GREAT GIFT FOR A CHILD.    

 MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES REQUIRED ~

CAT IS MADE FROM CORREGATED CARDBOARD.  BODY IS A BOX (I USED 4X4X6 BUT ANY SIZE RECTANGLE YOU PREFER WILL WORK).  IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BOX YOU CAN ALSO CUT YOUR BODY SHAPE OUT OF FLAT CARDBOARD, A CENTER BOTTOM, 2 ENDS AND 2 SIDES.  CIRCLE USED IS A CARDBOARD CAKE PLATE (8") FROM ART STORE BUT YOU CAN ALSO CUT YOUR OWN. EXTRA CARDBOARD WHICH CAN BE PURCHASED OR YOU CAN RECYCLE A BOX.

SHARP KNIFE OR SCISSORS FOR CUTTING CARDBOARD

GLUE FOR ATTACHING CAT PARTS

LIQUID STARCH FOR PAPER MACHE (FOUND AT LARGER MARKETS OR SMART AND FINAL) OR A RECIPE YOU PREFER.  I LIKE LIQUID STARCH AS IT IS EASY AND DRIES CRISP AND STRONG.  TORN NEWSPAPER STRIPS

ACRYLIC PAINTS IN ASSORTED PREFERRED COLORS.  I USE THE 2 OUNCE BOTTLES FROM ARTS AND CRAFTS STORES AS THEY ARE INEXPENSIVE AND ARE A GOOD CONSISTENCY FOR PAPER MACHE BUT ANY ACRYLICS WILL DO.  YOU CAN ALSO USE TEMPERA PAINTS BUT I PREFER THE LOOK OF ACRYLICS.  FOR A NICE SHINY FINISH THAT ALSO MAKES YOUR PIECE STRONGER, ADD A TOP COAT OF CLEAR ACRYLIC GLOSS MEDIUM..

FOLD AND TAPE BOX BOTTOM AND CUT OFF TOP TABS OF BOX AS IT WILL BE OPEN.  MARK A 5.5" CIRCLE IN YOUR CIRCLE PIECE (OR MARK AND CUT A CIRCLE WITH EARS OUT OF CARDBOARD) FOR CATS HEAD, DRAW 2 EARS, AND CUT.  MARK AND CUT 4 LEGS ABOUT 6" LONG (NOT TOO SHORT AS YOU NEED SOME OVERLAPPING ON BODY FOR STRENGTH) EACH BY ABOUT 2" WIDE, ROUND CORNERS A BIT AT BOTTOM EDGES.  DRAW AND CUT A TAIL AND A NOSE.  GLUE ALL PIECES TO BOX AS SHOWN IN PHOTO.  REMEMBER CAT CAN BE ANY SIZE YOU CHOOSE, AND EVEN LEGS, EARS ETC CAN VARY IN SIZE.

TEAR UP SEVERAL STRIPS OF NEWSPAPER AND PUT SOME STARCH IN A SHALLOW PAN OR DISH.  DIP PAPER STRIPS INTO STARCH AND SQUEEGEE WITH FINGERS AND COVER CAT.  ONE COAT IS FINE BUT IF YOU WANT IT TO BE STRONGER YOU CAN ADD A SECOND COAT.  IF YOU ADD A SECOND COAT, IT''S BEST TO WAIT UNTIL THE FIRST COAT IS DRY SO IT DOES NOT WRINKLE TOO MUCH.  TRY AND MAKE YOUR STRIPS AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLY WHEN APPLYING TO CAT AS IT WILL BE EASIER TO PAINT AND WILL LOOK SUPER WHEN FINISHED.  SOMETIMES PEOPLE ASK WHAT PAPER MACHE ITEMS ARE MADE OF AS THEY LOOK SO GOOD!

WHEN PAPER MACHE IS DRY, ADD A COAT OF GESSO TO PROVIDE A NICE CLEAN PAINTING SURFACE.  YOU CAN PAINT ON THE NEWSPAPER BUT IT'S MUCH EASIER, AND COLORS ARE MUCH BRIGHTER ON WHITE.  I PREFER GESSO FOR THE WAY IT COVERS BUT YOU CAN ALSO USE A WHITE HOUSE PAINT OR ACRYLIC.  WHEN DRY CAT IS READY TO PAINT.  IF THIS IS FOR A CHILD ASK THEM WHAT COLORS THEY WOULD LIKE AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO HAVE FUN AND MAKE THEIR CAT ANY COLORS THEY CHOOSE.  YOU CAN MAKE A LITTLE PALETTE ON A PAPER PLATE.

A GOOD PAINTING TIP FOR KIDS ~  ACRYLICS DRY FAIRLY FAST, AFTER DRY, COLORS CAN BE ADDED TO COLORS, EVEN WHITE ON BLACK.   A GOOD IDEA TO FOR KIDS TO TRY IS TO PAINT ONE COLOR FIRST AND AFTER DRY ADD SOME DESIGNS SUCH AS DOTS, STRIPES AND BLOTCHES.  SAME WITH FACE, IT'S EASIER TO PAINT THE ENTIRE FACE AND THEN DO EYES, WHISKERS AND NOSE NEXT. REMIND KIDS NOT TO WATER DOWN THEIR PAINTS BUT TO USE STRAIGHT FROM THE PALETTE.  AFTER PAINT IS DRY YOU CAN ADD THE TOP COAT.

CHRISTMAS TREE CRAFT

Christmas tree craft is an easy project to make for kids and lots of fun to decorate.  A great craft for groups as it can be simple for younger kids to decorate, and more complex for older kids. 

Kids can glue pom poms on their trees which is fun, easy and fairly neat. You can also cut circles out of glitter sticky back foam or purchase stickers such as circle shape price stickers or snowflakes. There are lots of different ways to decorate trees, you can glue on different fancy trims and ribbons, or make different size circles to fit over a tree formed out of pipe cleaners or trims, create stars, apply glitter, hand made paper ornaments, and of course paint which looks great but not always easy when working with a large group.  There are lots of possibilities and the only thing to keep in mind is the weight of the tree as it is not super strong.  See below for materials and tips.

t

Blank trees, ready for kids (or adults of course) will look like these.  I used found twigs for tree trunks because I like the character of the twigs and the way they are all different but you can use dowels if you prefer.  Tree is basically a wooden base with 1/4" drilled hole, twig and 7" kraft paper cone painted with green acrylic paint.  Leaving the tree Kraft and not painting green also looks great, especially if decorating with white and gold.  This bunch of trees was for young kids so I choose to paint them green, for more kid appeal.

Materials ~

Scrap wood for base, appx 2" high, 3x3, 3x4, 4x4 etc...choose what you like.  

Hot Glue or strong glue

Twigs or dowels, appx 1/4" x about 8 to 10" long

Kraft paper cones, 7 " high or size you prefer.  You can make cones if you want to but I purchased these cones from Oriental Trading because they are so inexpensive.  They are actually Kraft Confetti Cones...handed out for weddings etc.   They are probably also sold at party supply stores.

They are not heavy but they are sturdy enough for this project.  You will also be reinforcing them a bit by stuffing with crumpled up news paper or paper towels.

A cardboard circle (appx 3" across) to fit inside of tree about an inch from the bottom edge to hold newspaper and stem in place.

Green acrylic paint, tacky glue, and little sticks for kids to apply glue.

Assortment of small size Pom Poms, and glitter Pipe Cleaners for tree top star. 

 

Cut your little wood blocks and drill hole.  

Stuff some newspaper in the tree forming a little hole or opening for the tree stem as you go.  Push twig or dowel in center of newspaper and work it in a bit making sure it is fairly far up in tree and as center as possible.  Put a little hot glue in here and there for extra hold.  Cut a cardboard circle to fit inside tree with a little hole in center for tree stem and push piece up snugly into tree to hold all in place.  Add a little glue around the edge of the circle.

Put a little glue in the wood base hole for the twig stem and hold it in place a bit to make sure it is secure.  You may have to trim your twig a bit to fit the hole.  Add a little extra glue around the twig.

Paint tree green and trim the tree top just a tiny bit to make sure the little star will fit.

To make stars, bend pipe cleaner as shown in the picture ~ 5 little points, and 2 ends, one a bit longer.  After making points, bring around to join ends, then twist the shorter end of the piece around the opposite end, leaving the longer end as it is.  It will look funny but work it a bit into a star shape with the long stem straightened out, in center of bottom 2 star points.  You will have to sort of push the bottom part of the star in at center, leaving long piece ready to stick in tree top.  Practice.

Put some tacky glue in little plates etc for gluing pom poms.  Have kids use tooth picks or any little sticks for applying glue to tree for each pom pom.  This is much easier for kids than glue bottles.  Stick star in tree top.

Remember, you can try lots of different ways of decorating trees, even paint which has lots of possibilities but easier to manage with older kids or just a small group.