It seems a little complex, but with the help of one other woman, I instructed 20 kids ages four to seven through this craft. Not a single one of them popped the balloon they were using, which is unbelievably impressive. They did, however, end up covered in flour paste every day. No one ate it though... small victories.
This definitely isn't an adult DIY, but I figure that with so many of us heading back home to family time with younger siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, this is a perfect project.
The great thing about this DIY is that it is a fairly major project for a small child that can be done over a weekend or a snow day or two. It can also be broken up into three distinct parts so they don't get frustrated.
All in all, it's just a really whimsical and sweet project that is a lot of fun to complete. Even better, it doesn't have to look perfect, as part of its charm is in its rough, hand-made feel.
The "When pigs fly" piggy bank
Part One
Items needed: a balloon, an egg carton, scissors, tape, paper mache paste (mix cold water and flour until you get a smooth, thick paste), newspaper ripped into sections.
1. So, you're already having fun because there is flour everywhere and the kid's probably exhausted because they spend 20 minutes ripping up newspaper. Trust me, you're already the best aunt/uncle/sister/babysitter ever.
2. Blow up the balloon. Tape 4 egg cups to the bottom of the balloon, these will be the legs. Tape one egg cup to the front of the balloon (over the knot), this will be the nose. Cut one egg cup in half and tape them to the top of the balloon as ears.
3. Start dipping your newspaper strips in the paste, squeeze off any extra and then lay the strips over the body. There is no right way to do this. Strips should go in all directions, and as long as you get 2 layers over the whole body, you're golden.
4. Leave your pig to dry. Mine took a full 24 hours to dry properly, but if your partner in paper mache was a little over-exuberant with the paste, it may take longer.
Part Two
Items needed: scissors and a knife, paint and paintbrush, pink and black paint, paper, marker
1. After the pig is completely dry, you're going to need an adult who has skills with scissors or a knife. Stab through the top of the pig right between the ears. The balloon should pop and pull away from the sides. It's important that the pig be completely dry at this stage. If the pig is not completely dry the sides may collapse as the balloon deflates.
2. Cut a hole in the bottom of the pig. You can buy a stopper for this hole, but I generally just put some duct tape over it as it's not really visible in the end.
3. Paint your entire pig a lovely shade of Peptobismol pink. I painted on 2 coats to make sure I covered up the newspaper.
4. Paint on eyes, nostrils and a mouth.
5. Once the paint is dry, draw out a template of a wing on a piece of white paper. Cut out the template and then trace it onto the pig's back.
6. Paint the wings white.
Part Three
Items needed: white glue, a bag of feathers.
1. After everything is dry, layer white glue over the white paint. Use a paint brush to spread it into an even layer.
2. Stick feathers to the glue, trying to stay in the lines. Use scissors to cut feathers that are too long. Squeeze glue directly onto feathers if you're placing them on top of other feathers.
3. Let everything dry!
Posted by: Jean
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