Papier-Mache Decorative Bowl Project

Newspaper torn into strips

Flour and water for paste

A bowl to use as a mold

Plastic wrap

Acrylic paint and brushes

Mod Podge or clear varnish for sealing

Scissors for trimming edges

Mix flour and water in equal parts in a large bowl. Stir until you get a smooth, glue-like paste with no lumps.

Tear newspaper into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Tearing gives ragged edges that blend better than cut edges.

Cover the outside of a bowl with plastic wrap — this prevents the papier-mache from sticking to the mold. Flip the bowl upside down.

Dip one strip at a time into the paste. Run it between two fingers to remove excess paste, then lay it over the inverted bowl. Smooth out wrinkles and air bubbles.

Apply three to four layers of strips, changing the direction with each layer — horizontal, then vertical, then diagonal. More layers mean a stronger bowl.

Let it dry completely. This takes 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity. It must be bone dry before removing the mold.

Gently pull the mold bowl out and peel away the plastic wrap. Trim the rim with scissors for a clean edge.

Paint with acrylic — inside and out. Add patterns, designs, or a solid color. Seal with Mod Podge or clear varnish.

Patience during drying is the hardest part. If you remove the mold too early, the bowl collapses. It must be completely dry.

A fan pointed at the drying bowl speeds things up significantly.

The flour paste will smell slightly as it dries — this is normal. The smell disappears completely once dry.

For a smoother surface, use tissue paper for the final layer instead of newspaper.

These bowls are functional for lightweight items — keys, jewelry, desk supplies. They make excellent handmade gifts.