How to Make a Paper Mache Toucan

- Newspaper

- Flour

- Water

- Paint (optional)

- Glue (optional)

- Balloons (optional)

- Scissors

- Wire

- Pliers

- Paintbrushes

- Bowl

- Spoon

- Cup

Instructions

1. Make the paper mache paste. In a bowl, mix together equal parts flour and water until you have a smooth, thick paste.

2. Tear the newspaper into small pieces. The pieces should be about 1-inch square.

3. Dip the newspaper pieces into the paper mache paste. Make sure that the pieces are completely coated with paste.

4. Start building the toucan. Begin by forming a ball of newspaper pieces for the toucan's head. Then, add more pieces of newspaper to build up the body and wings.

5. Use wire to support the toucan's beak. Cut a piece of wire about 6 inches long. Bend the wire in half and insert it into the toucan's beak. Twist the wire together to secure it in place.

6. Add details to the toucan. Use small pieces of newspaper to create the toucan's eyes, nostrils, and feathers. You can also use paint to add details to the toucan, such as its beak and feathers.

7. Let the toucan dry. Allow the toucan to dry completely before handling it. This may take several days.

8. Enjoy your paper mache toucan! Your toucan is now finished and ready to be displayed or hung.

Tips

- If you don't want to use balloons, you can use a cardboard box or other object to form the shape of the toucan.

- You can use any type of paint to decorate your toucan. Acrylic paint, tempera paint, or watercolor paint will all work well.

- If you want your toucan to be more durable, you can seal it with a clear coat of spray paint.

- Your toucan is made of paper, so it is not waterproof. Keep this in mind when displaying it.