DIY: Papier-Mâché 

Humpty Dumpty & Easter Eggs

Papier-Mâché: pāpər məˈSHā 

• A malleable mixture of paper and glue, and water, that becomes hard when dry.
• Originates from China; the inventors of paper itself.

Artists aren’t really people.

And I’m actually 40% Papier-Mâché.

– Steven Morrissey

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men,

Couldn’t put Humpty together again.

Nursery rhymes were a huge part of my childhood.  One of my all-time favorite characters is good ol’ Humpty Dumpty. Humpty Dumpty has a rounded bottom and plump mid-section making Humpty well balanced.  Humpty is known for relaxing and minding its own business, when others would come and bother causing imbalance leading to the great fall and cracked egg.  The fall that Humpty took was only fatal due to ascending to such heights and others desiring to push or pull him down so that they could enjoy the view at the top instead.  Morale of the story is, be balanced and mindful to yourself and others. 

I decided to create my own Humpty Dumpty while preparing the Papier-Mâché Easter Eggs.  Gathering Spring items and incorporating new ideas for props, adds elements of surprise for the children during the Easter Mini photo shoots.  While brainstorming for the minis this year, I recalled grade school and how Papier-Mâché brought me joy.  Papier-Mâché is fun for all age groups and it lets the imagination run free. Both Humpty and the Easter Eggs have the same foundation of a balloon covered with newspaper/glue/water.  Humpty's creation included:  fabric, buttons, shoes, arms, facial expressions and accessories.  I alternated between a Crown and a Mad Hatter Hat.  I also left a piece of the top of the egg opened leaving the impression that the egg has a small crack.  Meaning, we all have imperfections and may tend to fall at times, but at the end of the day it is all about getting up and trying again. 

See below for behind the scenes photos of the process of making Humpty Dumpty and the enlarged Papier Mache eggs for this Easter season!

Enjoy! 

SUPPLIES AND STEPS FOR Papier-Mâché EGGS

Supplies

• Elmer’s glue- about 5+ large bottles (depending on quantity of eggs desired)

• Water & Large Bowl

• A ton of newspaper à cut into 1-2 inch strips

• Paper trimmer/cutter/scissors

• Acrylic Paint à various colors per your liking & white for base

• A bag of balloons à size depends on desired egg size

• Sponges cut into desired patterns/shapes (optional) 

• Paint Brushes & Paint Palette

• Painters tape (optional)

• Modge Podge (optional for shine)

• Tissue paper in contrasting colors (optional)

Steps

• Find a clear area & set down newspaper as a table cloth to avoid spills.
• Blow up the balloons to the size/shape desired (oval/egg like).

• Mix 1 bottle of glue with 1/3 cup warm water.

• Cut or tear multiple strips of newspaper into 1-2 ½ inches wide.

• Dip each strip into the glue and rub off any excess glue on the side of bowl.

• Cover the balloon with strips of newspaper while trying to keep them as smooth as possible taking off any excess liquid with fingers. 

• Let each layer dry overnight.  Allow 24 hours between layers. (3 coats=3 separate nights)

• Pop the balloon underneath once the form/structure has hardened.

• Use white acrylic paint to primer the bottom color layer so you cannot see the newspaper. 

• Can add modge podge if desired to make the egg shiny and tissue paper for fun designs. 

• Can add fabric, buttons, gloves, shoes and paint for facial expressions on Humpty Dumpty! Can use glue gun, hot glue, glue spray or whatever the imagination can think of!

Styling, crafting & photography by Celisse Elaine