Spooky Spider Nest of Arachnophobic Delight!

I love spiders and their beautiful webs and do not often get to embrace that fun... until Halloween! This is a simple technique to make a giant spider nest.

Things you will need:
-Paper mache mix of choice (I used the cheap version - 1 part flour, 5 parts water, boil three minutes)
-Newspaper
-A balloon (the bigger the balloon, the bigger the nest!)
-A piece of twine
-plastic spiders
-spider webbing
-black and white spray paint (optional!)

Step 1: Paper Mache

The first step is to blow up the balloon and tie it. Then, classic paper mache style, rip up strips of newspaper to dip in the paste. Apply the strips to the balloon. Repeat until completely covered except for where the tie is (I'm pinching it in the picture below). To help with hanging later, tie the twine into a loop and paste on some more newspaper strips to attach it. There are probably lots of ways to attach the twine, think about where you will hang it and experiment.

Step 2: Wrap It Up!

Let the paper mache dry.  If the paper mache is not thick enough, add another layer (test with a little squeeze).  If it is thick enough, then pop the balloon!  It has served its purpose.  Another option is to spray paint the shape white and the opening area black to hide the newspaper print.  I did this, but in retrospect, it was not necessary.

Finally, wrap up your shape with lots and lots of webbing.  Keep the hole open so you can have lots of spiders crawling out of it.  Hang up your nest and add more webbing (future highways for little spiders).  Add all the spiders you want and invite friends over that are terrified of spiders.  When you answer the door, you can throw a few extra spiders at them.