Papier-mache maracas

Category: Toys | 16 August 2008, 13:56 | admin

Created by Kate

Materials needed:

  • Balloons (you pick the size of maraca you want by the size of balloon)
  • Wooden dowel rod. Cut to 5-6 inch size used for handles.
  • Ingredients for papier-mache mixture you chose from below.
  • Egg carton. I used an overturned egg carton to hold my balloon in place while working.
  • Newspaper, for protecting work area and for two of the mixtures listed below.
  • Acrylic paint - Bright colors work best
  • Beads - to decorate

1. Traditional mixture. (Kate’s tip: If this mixture is kept for long periods of time it is likely to invite insects.)
Mix flour and water until a paste is formed. Dip strips of newspaper into the paste and cover the balloons. Leave a small space uncovered where the balloon is tied. Allow the paste to dry overnight. Pop the balloon and pull out deflated balloon. Paint empty oval shape as brightly as you can with acrylic paint. Make the opening at the bottom the size of the dowel stick you have chosen. Place beans or small pebbles in the opening. Using wood glue insert the 5-6 inch dowel into the opening and glue in place. Allow to dry and you have your own maracas.

2. Wallpaper paste from the hardware store. Mix approximately 2 Tablespoons of wallpaper paste flakes with ½ Cup of water, mix until smooth. Add 2 Tablespoons of Elmer’s wood glue. Mix well. To this mixture dip your newspaper strips and layer on to the balloons. Allow to dry overnight. The paper with dry quickest if you dip and then remove excess mixture from strips before applying to the balloon. Continue as you would in formula 1.

3. From the Hobby Store buy instant papier-mache mix. Follow directions on package then continue as in prior 2 mixtures. (Kate’s tip: This is the best method I have found. The result is smooth, and the amount of mess created is minimal. This is my favorite.)

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