Does this title frighten you? Put away your inhibitions right now and join the fun! Our first project is one anyone can do. Small kids will need the help of an adult. First, let's begin with some history. We are going to do a Papier-Mache [pay'-pur-muh-shay'] Piggie Bank!

Papier-Mache is a substance make from paper that has been soaked in a binding material such as flour paste, glue, or resin. Papier-Mache was used in the Orient for centuries before it was introduced to 18th centure France, but it is the French Term (which means crushed or mashed paper) that has stuck.

With this particular art form, sheets of paper have glued together adn dried in a mold as well as soaked-and-shaped using paper pulp. We will do a variation of the later method.

The result of the binder and the paper produces a strong hard material. During the 19th century, when it reached a peak of popularity, it was likely to find this method used in making decorated boxes, trays and even furniture, jewelry, sculptures, and dolls!

Now..let's get down and dirty!

You will need the following:

3 Cups of water
1.5 Cups of all purpose Flour
2 Drops of Peppermint oil
1 scissors
1 pair of rubber gloves for each person sensitive to peppermint
1 Balloon per pig
1 cardboard egg carton OR cardboard insert in the papertowel roll
1 roll of masking tape
1 Newspaper (more if your paper is small)
1 craft or exacto knife
1 protective cover for your table top
Paints of your choice..acrylics and sprays may give best results
sealant..such as polyeurethane. (options)


Pour the cold water into a heavy pan and add flour. Heat slowly until a creamy gravy consistency occurs. Remove from heat and cool. (we put it into a cooler bowl) When cool..add 2 drops of peppermint oil and stir well.

The Pig Form

Tear up or cut your newspaper into strips and squares. Cut your egg carton or paper towel roll into "leg" forms. With the masking tape, tape the legs and nose onto the balloon. Be sure to test the legs to make sure your pig will stand solidly.

Take the newspaper strips and squares one by one and dip them into your paste. Be sure to get the whole stip wet and squeeze out any excess paste before you lay the strips onto your balloon form. Keep smothing as you go and cover the whole pig form in one good layer..all gaps covered well.

Let dry.

Once dry, add your next layer. Do 3-5 layers until the pig is as strong as you desire, making sure each layer is dry before you add the next. On the last layer..squish up the paper and make small motifs if you desire. Perhaps a flower or letters on the pigs side.
Paint and seal as desired when totally dry.

One last note..have someone with clean hands take lots of photos..this is a really fun craft! (and makes a great gift for any occassion!)