DIY Papier Mâché Bowls

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bowls

So I have this thing for bowls. Mr. Lovely always makes fun of me because I’ve never met a bowl that I didn’t like. So I thought it was high time I try to make some. I haven’t done the old glue and paper routine since I was in 4-H, and I kind of forgot how cool it is. And this particular tutorial isn’t even really legit papier mâché. It’s kind of a 21st century fast-forward version. Which is okay by me. Want in? Let’s do it.

Materials

  • newspaper
  • ModPodge
  • balloons
  • empty cups
  • foam brush
  • scissors
  • craft paint
  • liquid gilding

Make Time: 2 Hours (plus drying time)

Full disclosure: This is one of those projects that I thought I made up in my head, and after some web searching, realized everyone else did too. So I followed a bit of this great tutorial over at Julie Ann Art, and adjusted some specifics as I went along. I’ll include my step by step here.

Start by cutting your newspaper into strips that are about 1″x3″. (Size can vary — no biggie.) Blow up a few of your balloons, and vary the size if you’d like to have nested bowls like I made.

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Paint a layer of ModPodge around the end of the balloon. One by one, apply the strips of newspaper, ensuring that they soak up glue as you apply. Once you have a base layer of paper covering the glue, apply more ModPodge and paper. Keep going in this order (glue, paper, glue, paper) until you have about 5 or 6 layers of paper covering all areas of your bowl. (It’s important to be sure that it’s thick enough to hold its shape.)

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Stand the balloons in the empty cups to dry, being sure that they’re stable and won’t tip over. Allow your balloons to dry thoroughly — I left mine for about 24 hours. After they’re completely dry, gently pop the balloons and pull away from the bowls.

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Trim the uneven edges around the tops. Flip the bowls upside-down and cover with craft paint (it may take multiple coats). Allow to dry. Flip back over and paint the inside of the bowls with liquid gilding. Leave for a day or so to completely dry and cure.

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Yeah! These are rad! I think they look pretty fancy if I do say so myself. Right now they’re holding some of my overflow accessories, but I think they’d make pretty cool desk organizers or spare change bowls too. Make some! xoxo

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24 Comments

  1. SO freaking CUTE! I have been researching how to do paper mache because I wanted to make a deer head for my wall, but thought that would be way too hard. I think I might be able to handle this though? Maybe? 🙂 I need my inner 6 year old to come help me!
    Also- can I say I have a bowl thing too? My husband always makes fun of me and is like “what are you going to put in those things?!?” And I’m like….”the better question is what aren’t i going to put in them?!?!” 😛 I totally feel you!

  2. This project is a perfect rainy day activity. It’s been a little dreary in normally sunny SoCal and I’ve been craving a DIY project. I’m glad I stumbled across your blog:)

  3. Well, these are awesome! I’ve been meaning to give paper mache a go. Now, I feel obligated. 🙂 Love these bowls Chels.

  4. So I have been saving images/how-to’s of these bowls for my sister’s desk. This seems so easy!! Definitely doing this!

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    1. Hi Karine! I just usually use the standard Mod Podge, either gloss or matte, depending on the finish that I’d like the piece to have.