How to Make Papier Mache Planets

Whether it's for a school project or just for fun, making papier mache planets is an easy and fun activity the whole family can enjoy.

1. Inflate some balloons. These are going to be the molds for your planets. Inflate them based on the size of the planet you are making. Small: Mars, Mercury; Medium: Earth, Venus, Uranus, Neptune; Large: Jupiter, Saturn and the Sun.
   
   
2. Make some papier mache, enough to cover the balloons you inflated.
   
   
3. Cover the balloons, a strip at a time, with papier mache. Continue doing so until the balloons are covered.
   
   
4. Let the papier mache harden, preferably overnight. If the papier mache isn't completely hardened, you run the risk of destroying your creation.
   
   
5. When the papier mache is completely hardened, use a pin to pop the balloon inside. Stick it through anywhere on the papier mache.
   
   
6. Paint it. You can follow the traditional colors, or make up your own design. Let the paint dry.
   
   
7. Finished.
   
   

• If you decide to make the Sun, cover it with string dipped in clear-drying glue instead. Cover it sparingly, leaving holes. When it is dried completely, pop the balloon and retrieve the broken pieces.
• Let the your paper mache planet fully dry before popping it.

• Be careful with pins and if you feel nervous, wear a thimble.

• Balloons
• String (optional)
• Glue
• Water
• flour
• a pin