Make Paper Mache Decorative Bowls
By Kathy Wilson
The Budget Decorator
Decorative accessories can really eat up your home decorating budget, but here is an easy project that even the kids can help with, and can blend with any style! Bowls can be used to display fruit, decorative objects, pretty storage, or as decorative accessories in their own right. Use old paper, a little leftover paint, and some flour paste to make beautiful decorative bowls, almost for free!
Supplies needed:
Flour and water paste
Primer
Craft Paint
Spray Sealer (Recommended, but optional!)
Kitchen bowl as form
Plastic Wrap
Step One:
Cover the bottom of the bowl you have chosen with plastic wrap, and wrap it over the rim. Make a paste of flour and water until it is the consistentcy of pudding. Tear up small pieces of newspaper or other recycled paper from your home.
Step Two:
Dip the paper into the paste and apply a layer to the outside of the bowl. Build up the layer until the plastic wrap is comepletely covered. Let dry overnight. Repeat until you have several layers for strength. Let dry. Remove from the bowl form and remove the plastic wrap.
Step Three:
Use scissors to cut a clean edge around the rim of your paper mache bowl. I like to use a primer on the bowl first to block out any print or colors. Let dry. Paint with craft paints in your chosen colors. Don’t forget to consider metallic paints, a different color for the inside and outside of the bowl, or to add pattern. You can stmap and stecil, freehand designs, or print a word around the rim that carries meaning for you. Use your creativity, and dress it up to the style of your home!
Step Four: I like to spray it with a sealer, you can pick a can up at any craft store.
Now fill your bowl and enjoy years of decorative style you can be proud of! Don’t forget to experiment with different types of paper, adding paint to the glue and using white tissue paper, or using a faux stone paint finish. Let your creativity run wild, if you don’t like it, repaint it!
Right out of your kitchen, elegant, ceramic looking bowls from recycled paper and a few supplies from your kitchen and craft box!
