Paper Mache Recipe

Next week-end we're throwing JP a little party for his third birthday. THREE!!!! Ahhh! I can't believe it! But that's for another post...

JP said he wanted a "bug" party, so I thought, why not?  This afternoon we're making a bug pinata with paper mache on a balloon.  Once It dries we'll paint it to look like a fly and fill it with candy and fake bugs, and the kids can play a little game of "Swat the Fly".  

I just have to remember to stress to JP that pinatas are made to be destroyed.  Don't get too attached, my son!

I once heard about some poor unsuspecting Elmo-loving child who had an Elmo pinata at his party.  Oh the trauma when everyone started whacking Elmo with a wooden stick!!  Certain kids started sobbing and screaming for their furry red friend who was being beaten to a pulp before their eyes!

Here's a no-cook paper mache recipe which is a good one to make with kids since it is easy to make and doesn’t require heat. We'll be making ours outside today to avoid a messy kitchen.

Ingredients:

*water

*flour

*newspaper

Instructions:

To make this paper mache paste, mix together 1 part flour to 2 parts water.  You will want it to be the consistency of thick glue, but you also want it to be runny and not thick like paste.  Add more water or flour as necessary.  Mix well to remove any lumps.  

Tips:

*if you live in an area with high humidity, add a few tablespoons of salt to prevent mold.

*If you don’t like the smell of the glue mixture you can add a few sprinkles of cinnamon to sweeten it up!

You should be able to store this glue in a covered bowl or jar in the refrigerator for a few days.