Paper Mache Cat

Although the true name for this craft is 'papier mache', it's often spelled 'paper mache'... so that's how I'll refer to it here!

Here's what you'll need to make your paper mache cat:

Lots of 'thank you' bags (grocery store bags)
newspaper
prepared paper mache pulp, strips or paste
cardboard paper towel tubes
tape
plain paper
paints

Directions:

Stuff a 'thank you' bag full of other bags or rolled up newspaper pages to make the cat's body. Pack them tight and use as many as you like - you can make a really fat cat if you choose!

Do the same again, but creating a smaller ball this time - this will be the head. Tape it to the body. Cut the paper towel tubes into suitable sizes for legs and tape into place.

Cut two half-moon shapes out of the leftover cardboard tubing and tape in place for ears.

Using LOTS of tape, shape and form your balls and bunches into a cat shape. Next, cover your cat with at least four layers of paper mache (we recommend using strips). The best result is achieved by using LOTS of strips and making sure the surface is smooth.

If you plan to paint your cat a light colour, use plain paper for the last layer or two (instead of the paper mache). This is because the print of the newspaper will show through a very light shade of paint.

Allow to dry and harden, then paint.

You can either paint on a face, or make one with a few accessories...

Try using buttons for the eyes and nose and make whiskers by attaching pieces of yarn. You can also use pipe cleaners as whiskers, which look almost like the real thing!

Give your cat a name and he's ready to display!

Return from Paper Mache Cat to Paper Mache Crafts