Here are Linda's DIY tips for creating the papier mache planets...Keep in mind that this is quite a labor-intensive DIY project!
Linda gathered an assortment of round balloons
She then created her papier mache mixture by mixing flour and water
Linda dipped strips of newspaper into the flour mixture
Linda applied three layers of strips to each balloon, allowing each layer to dry in between
On a damp day, this helped speed up the drying process
A closeup of the wet papier mache
Once dry, Linda painted each planet with a coat of white primer before applying the color. Then they dry again.. I love how Linda rested the planets on flower pots!
Linda used acrylic paints. The colors are easy to mix and they clean up easily with water.
The first layer of color. Then more drying time. Linda also added hooks to each planet so I could hang them.
A closeup of Neptune and Venus. With two coats of base color, a second darker or lighter color is sponged on to bring out the texture. A gloss coat is then sprayed on to give the planets some shine and protection.
The eight planets!
To view Linda's portfolio, visit her site or her blog.
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11 comments:
It’s very impressive. This project is very resourceful and creative. I love the looking at the finish result. It’s beautiful.
I used to make science project for my son, I haven’t thought of doing it this way. It’s a brilliant idea. very cheap and beautiful.
Wow! Love the paint colors! Great job! :)
wonderful project !! thnaks for sharing !!
I love them! I can't wait to do this with my son, thanks for sharing.
WHOA! These are gorgeous! Stunning paint job. What a fun activity to do with kids. Thanks so much for the inspiration, I'll be linking to this.
You can buy brown kraft paper paper mache balls at most craft stores. It would eliminate a big part of this fairly inexpensively.
It's her wonderful painting though that makes the planets really come to life!
where can one buy round balloons? i love them (as balloons, but they look nice as planets too!), but i thought they were rather hard to come by.
-kat
I'm about to take this on with my homeschooling 6-yr-old, so am very happy to have such a great post for reference. THANKS!
Round balloons are not available where I live, but I found styrofoam balls. I'll still paper mache for a paintable texture, but not so many layers, I think. (another option).
Up, up, and away!
I saw these wonderful planets in Pottery Barn Kids and wanted them, but they are way too expensive. This would be a great substitute project. Thanks!
Wow! Phenomenal job. Some of those planets look good enough to live on!
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