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.