Papier Mache Birds

papier mache, spring, birds

Posted by thatartistwoman

About

Papier mache birds are a great addition to your spring decorating or they can hang out all year around your house. Make your favourite bird to keep you company.

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You Will Need (13 things)

  • Paper Towel
  • White Glue
  • Water
  • Container
  • Thin Cardboard
  • Wax Paper
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Sharpies
  • Mod Podge
  • Wire
  • Embroidery Thread
  • Newspaper
  • Masking Tape

Steps (13 steps, 120 minutes)

  1. 1

    Take a quarter sheet of newspaper and scrunch into a pear shape.

  2. 2

    Tape into place.

  3. 3

    Cut up some paper towels into strips. Pour some white glue into a container and add an equal amount of water. Mix well. Dip your strips into the glue mixture and cover your newspaper shape. Make sure to overlap your strips for strength. Twist a beak out of a strip and adhere to bird with a strip or 2. Use a few dry strips every now and then to soak up excess glue.

  4. 4

    Leave to dry overnight on some wax paper.
    Cut wings and a tail out of some thin cardboard.

  5. 5

    Take cardboard shapes and cover with one layer of papier mache

  6. 6

    Attach to bird body with papier mache.

  7. 7

    Leave to dry. When dry paint with acrylic paint.

  8. 8

    Add small details with more paint and a fine brush and/or sharpie.

  9. 9

    To make the legs and feet take a piece of wire about 16 inches long. Starting in the middle of the wire bend a foot shape. Twist together the remaining ends of the wire to make a leg.

  10. 10

    Cover leg by wrapping embroidery thread around the leg and knot onto the leg.

  11. 11

    Using an awl or knitting needle poke holes where the legs will attach.

  12. 12

    Put a dot of glue on these holes and then insert wire leg. Let dry. You can also use a hot glue gun for this.

  13. 13

    When dry, bend wires so bird can sit upright. You now have a little friend to keep you company.