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Monday, September 17, 2012

Papier Mache Mushrooms


Here are some papier mache mushrooms I've been working on.  Something new for the Nature Table.




I'm pretty happy with how they turned out but I think next time I'll make the tops just a bit  bigger.





I added some old book pages to give them texture to this set.





Others I just painted.
























MATERIALS REQUIRED:

- cereal or cracker box
- pencil
- scissors
- something circular to trace around
- stapler
- paper towels cut into strips
- water
- white glue
- recycled container
- sticks cut from pruned branches
- old book pages, optional
- hot glue gun, adult to use only
- paint, acrylic or tempera

PROCEDURE:

Gather your materials.  If you can't find any sticks you can use a narrow cardboard tube.




Trace circles onto the thin cardboard.  I used my masking tape.



Cut out.  You want different sizes, some I made to be more oval.

Cut a little piece out, making it look like a Pac Man.






Overlap one cut end onto the other cut end. It will form a little cap.



Staple into place.



Mix your glue and water together in your recycled container at a ratio of 1:1.

Moisten your strips in the mixture and start applying to your cardboard cap.  Every now and then put a dry one on to soak up the excess.

You only need about 2 coats.
I did one coat on the inside.

If you are using a cardboard tube as the stem you'll need to apply a layer of papier mache to that as well.



Set aside to dry.  Turn once to make sure the other side dries as well.


I like to have a container with a lid to store the excess glue/water mixture.  I keep it and use it for the next project.



To add old book pages I cut them into strips.




Apply over the paper towel layers.  I have them radiating out from the center.





Trim away the excess.





When dry I painted the insides first.  I just did a watercolor wash.




I then hot glued them into place on the sticks as I thought it would be easier to paint that way.





Paint with acrylic or tempera.




I decided to have some with the book pages on the top as well.


When dry I painted them with a wash.


Now some of the mushrooms just stood up on their own.  Others I needed a base for.  I had some wood pieces but you could also use some heavy corrugated cardboard given a coat of paint.



Hot glue them to the base and add a little moss to cover the glue.





That's it.

They look great on display.





9 comments:

  1. I love the texture you've created with the paper and natural bark. I can imagine the kids creating a fairy ring with dancing fairies! Or perhaps the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland! Wonderful :)

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  2. I love it! Def. going to attempt this!

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  3. I think you have too much fun! ;)

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  4. Wow...Those are way to cute!! And what fun to make...I pinned it to try later!!
    Thank you so much for the great tutorial!
    Denise

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  5. So inspiring and creative. Thank you for posting the steps.

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  6. Beautiful! I totally love your shrooms. You never cease to amaze me!

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  7. Did this with my classes, grades 4-8. Used cardboard for the base. Added a few small rocks to the bottom. The students had great fun! Love your website!

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  8. Wooow I love these! I want to make some for around the him Autumn decor!! Amazing

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