Use our easy peasy guide to how to make paper mache from flour – inexpensive, environmentally friendly and quick!
Secondly: do not rush the drying process – I have seen a number of paper mache failures in the past shared by my readers – where the balloon inside contracts before the mache is fully dry and your perfect sphere, suddenly is all crumpled. My impression, that the main culprit for this is speedy drying – e.g. placing your paper mached balloon on or near a radiator or other heat source. Just hang your creation up and wait a day or two for it to dry gradually.

- 1 part flour, 2 parts water – mix.
- Place in the microwave and blast at full power for 40 seconds. Stir. Repeat. Stir. Repeat etc.. until you have a nice thick paste.
- Try and remove any lumps, they only get in the way later!




And once dry.. let the kids loose on it!! Whoop whoop! They painted in two sessions – first layer. Let it dry and then added spots and stripes.


Judy says
Those dino banks are so cute…I’ll bet the security is much better than a mere piggy bank too ๐
Red Ted Art says
Oh yes, I hadn’t thought about increased security! Good point!!!
Pinkoddy says
I have to say the dinosaur is what makes it really interesting. Great job. Thanks for hosting.
Cerys @ Rainy Day Mum says
Brilliant we love paper mache especially with homemade paste (THANK YOU)
Red Ted Art says
Pinkoddy – thank you
Cerys – and yes, homemade paste is the BEST!
Emma @sciencesparks says
They are fantastic…I just imagine the mess I would make though ๐
Merry says
You are so much more patient than me!
Emma @Mummymummymum says
ooooh lovely…you are so clever Maggy ๐
Jennifer says
They are wonderful, I love the colours! I’ve not been brave enough to try paper mache yet…definitely need to give it a go! My children are also obsessed with piggy banks at the moment, they love posting coins in and out.
Red Ted Art says
Emma – yes, I admit, paper mache is messy!
Merry – well.. I have to pull myself together A LOT
Jennifer – it is worth it… but you need space and time for sure!
Susie @Bowdabra says
Thanks for the weekly linky!
Red Ted Art says
My pleasure ๐
Carolin says
Love this idea. Amy is still a little young for it, but I’ll definitely put this on my to-craft list ๐
amber says
OH my goodenss those turned out so cute!
Kelley says
This is PERFECT! I have a dino obsessed 2 year old, who loves to get his hands dirty! This is going on the top of the “to do” list!
Red Ted Art says
Carolin – I love craft lists… our is very long!
Amber – I think the kids did an amazing job with the painting… I was “against” Red Ted’s colour scheme, but it turned out so well!! ๐
Ladyle says
Love that and must try with my sons. Thank you for your crativity.
Red Ted Art says
My pleasure and thank you!
Roshni says
Wow! That requires patience but what a great end-result!!
Rebecca says
These look fab! I’ve not done papier mache since I was at school, but must try it again soon.
Ashley says
Very cute dinos! We haven’t tried paper mache yet!
Susanne@babyhuddle says
LOVE this! Luka is really into dinosaurs at the moment! Thanks for sharing ๐
Emma @Mummymummymum says
oooh love those!
Thanks for linking up to Science Sparks and sorry for the late comment. xx
Diana says
I love these piggy banks and would like to make them at home with my kids. Question though: we don’t have a microwave – is there a different homemade paper mache version for stove top or something else altogether?
Red Ted Art says
You can actually use JUST flour and water, but I don’t like it as much. But yes, you can use this same recipe and gently heat it on the stove!! Will probably come out better that way anyway!