Bring history to life with paper mache! You can become an Egyptian Pharaoh or a Roman soldier, or have some fun with animals.

It’s a great use for all those cardboard boxes laying around. Add a little paint, and the options are endless!

Paper mache also helps develop manual dexterity, spatial skills, color blending, and fuels creativity.

I realized quickly my paper mache skills are rusty. But, I have to say, it’s pretty fun!

general supplies

Cardboard boxes
Scissors (parental supervision may be required)
Newspaper, brown paper bags, computer paper
Depending on the creature – balloons, plastic pop bottles, buttons…look around and see what you have

Paper mache paste (free recipe below, or you can just buy some such as Elmer’s Paste, non toxic, water cleanup)

Paint: we used this non-toxic metallic paint for a fun option, or regular non-toxic acrylic colors, especially for masks fit for kings and soldiers! Acrylic is best as it is thick for good coverage, and dries fast

Spray Paint: (Optional) You can also use spray paint for a base coat. If you do this, parents: spray it outdoors with a lot of airflow. Acrylic paint can be used on top of the spray paint.

Spheres: Balloons, crumpled paper, or even some styrofoam balls

Paintbrushes: Having a variety of tip sizes helps, a few smaller tip sizes and some larger ones for broader coverage and younger kids

Tape: masking tape (I found this held well) and duct tape (for heavier holds)

Glue Gun: You could go with a mini glue gun like this Gorilla dual temp gun (parental supervision recommended to avoid burns). There is one for “kids” that is a low temp safer option. I haven’t used this so I’m not sure how well the glue holds large cardboard together, but it has good reviews

Mask: Plastic or paper face mask if you don’t want to use a human face. No pre-purchased mask is needed if using your own face, but be sure to use a layer of Vaseline if using actual skin or the paper will stick!

These in the photo are non-reusable paper masks but are designed for paper mache, have an elastic already attached, come in two sizes, and are perfect for numerous projects. I used a plastic one I got at a dollar store.

Optional: Waterproof paint aprons. This one fits ages 3-8, comes in a 2 or 4 pack, or this one offers larger sizes and is longer.

general tips

White computer paper as a final layer gives a smoother finish and can be easier to paint
For glue, a hot glue gun works well, but parental supervision is usually needed for young kids
Some templates are provided, but we do encourage free drawing to help develop creativity and skills such as hand-eye coordination and spatial skills
2-3 layers of paper mache is recommended, but be sure to not go too thick or it will take forever to dry
Allow 24 hours for paper mache to dry. You can speed it up with a hairdryer or put it in the sun
If cardboard warps after drying, just gently move it back into shape with your hands
The instructions included are a guideline: change what you will and do your own thing!

Ages

Some are a little more complicated, some simpler.

You can also adjust the ideas: for example, the Roman shield can be simplified. Instead of making it curve, just leave the cardboard straight and you skip a few steps.

Just have fun!

Projects and Research

To make things a little more interesting, do a little research on accuracy.

For example, different Roman eras meant different materials were used: leather, brass, iron, bronze. Also, different amour designs were used depending on the time and activity. Some shields had designs. Which hands did soldiers hold their shield and sword with and why? You can be creative or as historically accurate as you want.