Fancy Feathers: Papier Mache Birds

Here are a few of the birds we made back in December for Christmas gifts. I have been itching to make papier mache birds ever since bookmarking this and this several years ago. And I have to admit that it was such a surprisingly enjoyable process. The kids also had fun getting in on the action since this was a multi-day activity. One day for newspaper/masking tape construction of the bodies. One day for the papier mache application (We used white paper towels and found that it was much easier and faster than working with newspaper. The paper towels also added an interesting texture to the birds). One day for painting the first coat for the bodies. And one final day for adding additional coats of paint (acrylic), details (sharpie marker), and wire feet. We all loved the quirky and colorful results. In fact, I kind of wish we had kept them all for ourselves, but that wouldn't have been in keeping with the Christmas spirit. I guess that just means we will have to make some more again soon.