Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Papier Mache Halloween Pumpkin
| By Agatha Curtis Okay, we’ve decided not to sacrifice a pumpkin for Halloween this year. Instead, we are going to try our hands at making a pumpkin from papier mache (the french spelling - some of you may know it as paper mache). I argue that using an inflated balloon for the form is a natural choice; my granddaughter says just use newspaper. I think we’ll try it both ways.  The basic formula for papier mache paste is: 1 cup flour to 1 cup water. For this pumpkin we’re going to start with 2 cups of each. Mix together to form smooth paste. Strips of newspaper or other lightweight paper (about 1 inch wide) are then dipped into this paste, excess paste removed and the strip is applied to the form, in this case, the inflated balloon. You’ll want to work on a newspaper covered surface; this will get messy, I promise you. The number of layers is up to you. Too many layers will take a long time to dry. Try about three layers and use your own judgment about how thick you want your pumpkin wall to be. When you have finished layering all your paper strips, let your pumpkin dry completely (we’re going to stick ours under a fan to speed the process); then apply the paint or decorations you choose. When you are finished and all is dry, pop the balloon and remove it from your pumpkin. If you decide to carve eyes and nose into your pumpkin, you will of course pop the balloon first. Make sure your form is dry enough to hold its shape. If you don’t want to paint your pumpkin, try using colored crepe paper strips to make the outer layers—instant pumpkin and/or piñata! You won’t be able to put a lit candle in this pumpkin, but you could put in a battery operated light. If you don’t use a light, but choose to paste on eyes, nose, etc., you may have to weigh it down with something to keep it on your porch in the blustery October winds. We’ll let you know how the newspaper form pumpkins work out...if they do. Once you get a little practice in papier mache, you can create your own piñatas for birthday parties and holidays. Inexpensive to make and lots of fun for the kids. Happy Halloween! |
posted by Krista at 10:41 AM
