Kids Craft: Making a Paper Mache Volcano

It all started at day camp, the kids helped to make 

a paper mache volcano there.

And they were so excited at seeing it erupt.

They just couldn't wait so they wanted to 

make one at home. I've never made a 

paper mache volcano before so the 

hubs looked it up and got started with 

a cardboard base an empty bottle with 

a neck, old newspapers/flyers and masking tape.

The picture is pretty self explanatory.

He cut the newspaper into strips and dipped it into the 
paper mache mixture and started layering it 
over the bottle/paper balls/masking tape configuration!

For the paper mache mix we simply used 

1 part flour to 2 parts water.

What kind of bottle is that? you say.

Why yes, it's a pina colada bottle!

Almost wrapped! We did do another layer 

after the first though.

Super happy!

And here it is all dried and ready to paint!

I just grabbed whatever I had in my stash...

this was a no purchase project!!

It's supper sunny & bright outside!

Ah...that's better!

And here it is all painted and ready to go!

We found this recipe online for the eruption...but word of advice, I'd use all vinegar next time and no water...if you use a big bottle like we did you'd need a lot of vinegar!!!

Here's what we did:

Fill the bottle most of the way with warm water, add a few drops of dish-washing liquid and food coloring to color your lava, we choose red. Add 6 or 8 spoonful's of baking soda.

When you are ready for it to erupt, pour in the vinegar.

1st eruption, not enough food coloring

Much better now, but I think the water put a 

damper on a big eruption.

Overall, it was still a success and it's so 

nice to do a project like this together as a 

family...the kids love it!