A Paper Mâché Volcano (For Rainy Afternoons)
We've all been there. The "Muuuuum I'm bored" line. So what can you do when the kids are bored?
One idea I have tried is making a paper mache volcano. You do need to be a bit prepared for it though, so get together the things you need in advance.
It’s simple to make, a bit messy, and rather satisfying when it finally erupts.
What you’ll need
- Newspaper (whole and torn into strips)
- Flour
- Water
- An empty plastic bottle
- A box (to catch the inevitable overflow)
- Masking tape
- Paint and brushes
- A little varnish (optional)
For the eruption:
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Vinegar
- Warm water
- Red food colouring (if you want to make it more realistic)
To make the paste
- Mix equal parts flour and warm water until smooth.
- If it thickens too much, add a little more water.
- A pinch of salt helps it keep a little longer.
To shape the volcano
- Place the bottle in the centre of the box.
- Build up the shape around it using crumpled newspaper, forming a rough cone.
- Tape it in place so it holds.
- Dip strips of newspaper into the paste and layer them over the shape until it’s fully covered.
- Leave it to dry, then add another layer if needed.
- Once dry, paint it in earthy colours and leave it overnight.
- A coat of varnish will help it last a little longer.
To make it erupt
- Add a few teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda into the top.
- Mix warm water with a little food colouring and pour it in.
- Then add the vinegar…
…and step back.
We loved doing this during lockdown. The volcano was reused a large number of times and even survived a house move!