Paper Mache Puppets by Candie Cooper

Always cover your work surface with a mat or some type of protective covering like wax paper or plastic.

Age Range: 7 to 12

Grade Range: 2 to 6

Skill Level: Advanced

Appropriate for These Special Events:
Every Day and Rainy Days

Supports Subject Area(s) of:
Language Arts – e.g. step by step instructions
Visual Arts
Time needed for project:
Total Time: 1-1/2 hr

Main Materials:
- Activa® Fast Mâché--Paper Mache powder
- Floracraft® Styrofoam™ eggs
- Plaid® Folk Art Acrylic Paint
- Elmer’s® Tacky Glue

Right click here and choose "Save As" to download a pattern for this project.

Basic Materials:
- Water
- Disposable plastic bowl
- Popsicle stick or spoon
- Garden glove
- Scissors
- Brushes
- Tiny hats
- Felt scraps
- Buttons


 
Directions:
1. Using a spoon or popsicle stick, make a hole in the bottom of the foam ball that your finger fits into.
5 min.

2. Press your fingers into the foam head to shape it into a face. Punch in space for eyes and shape a nose. Try to create cheekbones that curve around the head and a chin.
5-10 min.

3. Mix the paper maché in a plastic container according to the directions on the box. For this project, mix 1 cup of paper maché powder with 3 cups of water per head.
5-10 min.

4. Using your hands, press the paper maché onto the foam head. Apply a layer to the entire head before moving on.
10-15 min.

5. Add additional clumps of paper maché to bring out the head’s nose and mouth. You can even add hair and ears!
10-15 min.

6. Wash your hands before the paper maché dries. Let the head dry overnight (You can let it stand on the popsicle stick in a narrow-rimmed glass or vase.)

7. Use your brush and acrylic paints to add a skin tone and features to the head.
20-30 min.
8. Use Craft Bond to glue the head to the index finger on the glove.

9. Cut collars from felt and glue around the neck followed by buttons down the front of the shirt.

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