DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Bumblebee Paper Mache Craft

Contributed by Leanne Guenther

This is a relatively easy paper mache project that uses a balloon as the base.  The project can be filled with candy and made into a pinata or it can just be used as a decoration. 

Materials:

• 1 balloon
• tape
• newspaper ripped into strips
• flour
• glue,
• scissors,
• scrap paper for the eyes and stinger
• black, white and yellow paint,
• paint brush,
• white paper,
• cardboard.

Instructions:

• Read the tips to paper mache for how to make paste and tricks on maching.
• Blow up one balloon all the way.
• Cover the entire bumblebee with 2 layers of paper mache.  You MUST do this in one sitting -- if you half mache a balloon it will pop when the mache starts to dry.
• Let the project dry completely (12 to 24 hours depending on your humidity level).  You can put a fan near it to speed up the drying.
• If making a pinata:
  • Cut an opening in the top of the bird.  (Use a damp cloth to soften the mache if you have trouble cutting the opening).
  • Fill with candy or small toys.
  • Add a string or rubber band that is attached to the inside of the bird -- make sure you attach it inside but don't let it completely disappear when you paper mache (you'll use this string or rubber band to hang up your pinata.
  • Tape shut.
• Use scrap paper to make the eyes and the stinger.  For the eyes scrunch up the paper like you are making a ball and tape them to the front of the paper mache'd balloon.  For the stinger make a cone out of paper and tape it to the back of the paper mache'd balloon.
• Once dry, cover the entire bumblebee with 1 or 2 more layers of paper mache covering the eyes and stinger so it makes a bumblebee shape.  I like to use scrap white paper or paper towel for this layer since it's easier to decorate.  Don't let the paper mache be too wet or it may start to soak the project and cause it to crush.  If this starts to happen, stop, let it dry and then continue.
• Let the project dry completely (12 to 24 hours depending on your humidity level).  You can put a fan near it to speed up the drying.
• Paint the project yellow and let dry.
• Paint a black stripe down the center of the bumblebee.
• Paint the stinger black and the eyes white with a black circle in the middle.
• Paint a black mouth onto the bumblebee.
• Cut out two wings from white paper or construction paper, they should be teardrop shaped. Glue them to the bumble bee where the wings would go.  If you want your wings to be more sturdy, support them with cardboard or cardstock.