paper mache sweets

One of my favorite projects is paper mache food. Start this project outside on a beautiful day. Wrap newspaper into donut shapes and cupcakes using construction tape (the cupcake form requires a bit of cardboard or wire netting for the form). Mix up a bucket or two of wheat paste using flour and water and some white glue. Dip strips of newspaper in the paper mache and wrap the strips around the forms until they are solid and fully covered. Let the forms dry in the sun.

I am always interested in which kids like to get messy when they make art. Some students will want to avoid the chaos of paper mache. It's the same kids that like mud puddles who will finish most of the forms while others will wander off to wash their hands. I just let this happen and we always get enough done for stage two.

During the next class we paint and embellish the sweets. The final stage is sprinkling the tops with real sugar candies. I spray on an adhesive after the sweets are finished to apply gloss and really secure the sprinkles. The final product is delicious looking. I got the idea for this project when traveling in Mexico. You can sometimes find paper-mache sweets or fruits in the markets to decorate your table.