Moon Festival Mache
Celebrating Chinese Moon Festival with papier mache.
Never try this at home. Seriously. The star was far too intense. Balloon papier mache, no problem!
Papier mache is relatively easy and doesn't require a lot of supplies. The lantern is a simple started project that can be enhanced with pressed flowers or drill holes to extend illumination. These are lovely hung from a tree.
Simply prepare your paper strips (we used white tissue paper, but copy paper has worked too.) Newspaper is only useful if you plan on painting your project, as you will see the print.
Next prepare a bowl of flour and water at a 1:2 ratio approximately. But this is not a science, per se, so feel free to eyeball it.
Blow up a balloon the size of your desired lantern. Dip the paper strips in the mache mix and use two fingers to squeeze off the excess mix. Apply the strips in all directions over the balloon. Crossing paper assures more solid results.
Allow to dry in the sun. Once completely dry, pop the balloon. Add a handle, Modge Podge pressed flowers and leaves or paint as desired. You can include a battery operated tea light for glow.
This is an incredible project for those who like to get messy and not so much for those who don't!