Video:How to Use Balloon Bases in Paper Mache

Transcript:How to Use Balloon Bases in Paper Mache

Hi,I'm design expert Daniel Mar from House of Flash Fashion Lifestyle Accessories for About.com. Today, I'm going to show you how to use a balloon as a base for a paper mache project.

For the Paper Mache Balloon Base, You Will Need:

• Paper mache paste
• Newspaper strips
• Tissue paper
• A balloon
• Paper scissors
• Plastic tub
• No-stick cooking spray

Paste Strips of Paper on the Balloon

Prepare your balloon by spraying it with no-stick cooking spray. Once you've coated your balloon amply, you're ready to paste everything together. You want to get a nice base that you can use. I am using a plastic tub to help me hold the balloon while I work with it. Take a strip of paper, dip it in the paste, and begin coating. Work your way down the balloon. I work on one hemisphere of the balloon, and then once I'm done, I turn it around and use the other section. If you over-paste, take a dry piece and spread it over.

The Paper Mache Balloon Shell is the Base for Many Crafts

This is a messy project, but kids love it. When you're using a balloon form, you can do anything from a pumpkin for Halloween to an Easter egg to a pinata. This is a great way to create a shell so you can fill the inside with confetti, candy, or even some rice and beans to make a rattle—it's really fun, kids love that. Cover the entire surface and allow it to dry for 24 hours. Once your balloon is dry, you can give it a nice coat of tissue. I really like doing that –it's an extra step, but it's going to give it a nice finish.

Take your paste, apply a layer to your shell, take a strip of tissue paper, put it down, and smooth it out, that's it. Cover the entire surface again and allow it to dry for a few hours.Once your mache shell is dry, it's time for you to remove the balloon from it. It's going to be a little separated—normally, as it dries, it will separate from the balloon.

To Complete the Paper Mache Mold, Pop and Remove the Balloon

Take a pair of shears or something sharp, and pop your balloon. It will very easily come out. And once you've got rid of your balloon, you have a really nice paper mache shell that is ready for decorating. And that's how you create paper mache using a balloon as a base.