Paper Mache Piggy Bank

Here's what you'll need:

Small round balloon
Paper mache strips
Five small corks
Masking tape
Strips of thin cardboard
Scissors
Twist tie (from a garbage bag)
Tempera paint
Paintbrush
Paper Mache glue (or wallpaper paste)

Directions:

Blow up the balloon and tie a knot in it. Set aside.

Tear sheets of newspaper into strips about 4" long. Set aside.

Prepare Paper Mache paste (see our main Paper Mache Crafts page to find out how)

Cover a strip of newspaper with the paste, wiping off the excess paste between thumb and first finger.

Stick the paper onto the balloon. Make sure the newspaper lies flat against the balloon to prevent wrinkles. Repeat this process until the balloon is covered with one layer of newspaper. Let it dry.

You will want to put a total of six layers of newspaper on the balloon, letting each layer dry before adding the next.

Once it is completely dry, carefully stick a pin through the Paper Mache shell so that you pop the balloon inside.

Cut one cork in half and tape it onto the Paper Mache shell to make the pig's nose.

Tape on the other four corks to make legs for the pig.

Shape the twist tie into a curly shape, cover it with newspaper and glue, and tape it onto the shell for the pig's tail.

Cut out two cardboard ears and tape them to the pig's head.

Now cover the pig with two more layers of newspaper and Paper Mache glue, covering its body, legs, nose, and ears. Let it dry completely.

Cut a slit in the top of the pig's body for the money slot.

Paint your pig with tempera paint. Apply a base color (pink) and let that dry. Then add details to your pig by painting eyes, a mouth, and nostrils.

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