I’m always looking for new art projects that are easy, inexpensive and consistently create beautiful pieces of art. I love bringing them into my classroom and creating them at home with my own kids. This Easy Paper Mache Art Idea is everything I look for and it was a hit with my kids!

With just a few simple materials, included recycled paper, you can create this unique paper mache art project. It’s a great chance for kids to get a bit messy and make something new. We created this project for spring, so I have included a free printable flower that you can use, but you can make any design or picture you want.

The project includes some messy paper pulp that is a great sensory opportunity for young kids to get their hands into the pulp. It’s also a fun project for kids to create with their hands and fingers. When dried, the pulp has a great textured look, and feel.

For more paper mache ideas, check out step by step instructions with Simple Paper Mache Projects and 17 Best Paper Mache Ideas.

Easy Paper Mache Art Materials

Since I made this project with a full class of kids, I needed the cost to be minimal. Most of the supplies, you likely already have on hand at home, or in your classroom. You will need:

• Paper
• White Glue
• Paint
• Printable Flower Template (Free Below)
• Cardstock
• Popsicle Sticks (Optional)
• Blender
• Bowls
• Popsicle Sticks (Optional)
• Strainer

You can use any paper for the pulp, but if you have some that you are otherwise throwing out, this is a great way to recycle it. I used acrylic paint because I find the color is more vibrant, but any paint, or even food coloring will work.

Easy Paper Mache Art Steps

Start by soaking the paper in warm water. The longer you soak it for the faster it will break down when you blend it. You will need roughly 3-5 sheets of paper for each flower you plan to make. Make sure to add lots of water as you blend to help it break down easier. Don’t worry if you add too much water, because you will strain the excess off later.

Use a blender to turn the paper into pulp. Once it is broken down, you can squeeze some of the water out, using a strainer. It should be wet to mix in the paint, but not dripping wet.

Once you have made your paper pulp, next add glue to your mixture. Add roughly a quarter the amount of glue to the amount of paper pulp you have. You need to add enough glue so that the paper pulp sticks/stays together.

Next, separate the paper pulp into as many sections as colors you plan to make. Once you have the pulp set out, add paint to make each section the color you want to make it. The more paint you add, the more strong and vibrant the color will be. The paper pulp can be mixed together to make new colors after, but it is easier to mix one paint color in.

Make sure the glue and paint are fully mixed in before starting.

If there is excess water running off the paper mache mixture, make sure to drain if off before starting your paper mache art. You can easily do this by squeezing the pulp with your hands or using the strainer.

Once you have made each of the colors of paper mache, you are ready to start your art project. You can give kids popsicle sticks to pick up and create the flower petals, or kids can use their fingers.

Arts and Crafts for Kids

Make sure to print the flower template on thick paper, such as cardstock. The paper will get wet and if you use thin paper, the paper can break down as well. Cardstock, or even carboard works well.

Since I made the paper mache art with young children, the flower template helped keep the activity focused and everyone made a beautiful piece of art. You can simply give kids a blank sheet of paper, and let them create anything they want or you can choose a template.

If you’re not too worried about the mess from the project, letting kids create with their fingers is a great sensory experience and art project. The pulp is interesting to feel and kids love squishing, molding and creating with their fingers.

Once your paper mache is ready, children can start filling in their flower petals. The paper mache can be used to create anything!

Spread the paper mache into each section and press it down. Once the full picture is created let the paper mache dry. It can take a day or two for the picture to fully dry.

This activity can be changed slightly as well if you choose to not add paint to color the paper mache before making the picture. If you don’t add the paint, you can paint the paper mache after it hardens.

Free Printable Paper Mache Art Flower

Once dry, you can cut out the picture or leave it on the page. Because of the glue in the paper mache, it can go through the paper and stick to some surfaces. Make sure to set it to dry somewhere that won’t stick. I dried it on a rack so that it wouldn’t stick, and this worked well.

Once the paper mache is dry, you can add a layer of gloss finish. This can help preserve the picture longer and can add a beautiful shine to the flower.

Download the Printable Here

Using the template is a great way to start working with paper mache. It keeps the paper mache art from getting too messy and creates a beautiful image. Download the flower template below for free. Click the grey box below and subscribe to Hands-On Teaching Ideas through Grow. Subscribing this way will download the printable right away. It will also unlock the other freebies on this site.

When you subscribe and join, you will not only receive the free printable, but you will also receive an email shortly with a link to the Free Resource Library. In the library you will find over 100 free printable resources. From math worksheets, to free escape room games.