Paper Mache Christmas Trees
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This Paper Mache Christmas Tree Craft is a hands-on, slightly messy Holiday craft the kids will absolutely love!
One of the things my kids love to do is decorate the house for the Holidays.
When I told them we were going to decorate these little Christmas trees with paper mache, they were doubly excited since it combined 2 of their favorite things: Christmas crafts and getting there hands messy!
We did a paper mache project once before (see it here) and they loved it!
Crafting with Paper Mache is really easy and can be done with a very young child to an older kid. (Even I enjoyed making my tree!)
Paper Mache can be pretty messy, so you will want to cover your work surface with tons of paper or some sort of drop cloth.
How to Make Paper Mache Christmas Trees
Materials needed for paper mache trees:
- Styrofoam cones (different sizes)
- Very lightweight scrapbook paper (about 3 8 x 11 sheets per tree)
- Paper mache mixture (1 cup flour, 4 cups very hot water mixed together)
- Modge Podge and a foam brush
Directions:
1. Mix up the paper mache solution and set aside to cool.
2. Tear or cut your paper into 1 inch by +/- 6 inch strips. (I chose to tear my paper strips so the white paper core would show, but it’s your choice.)
3. Dip your paper into the paper mache mixture, making sure it is saturated. (I put several strip in the mixture at a time so the strips could “marinate”.) Apply the wet strips to the styrofoam cones.
4. Apply the wet strips to the styrofoam cones. Use your fingers to smooth the strips flat and try to wipe off any excess paper mache.
5. Keep going until the cones are covered. Let the cones sit in a dry place overnight or until they are completely dry.
6. Once the trees are dry coat them with a layer of modge podge for protection.
That’s it! Now everyone sit back and admire what you have made!
*originally posted on DesignDazzle.com
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I linked to this project on my blog http://www.westmamadesigns.org/2012/12/04/christmas-crafting-fast/#