Every Super Mario Brother costume or theme needs a few props. We were lucky to get a hold of a Yoshi Costume and wanted to add some props to it. Why not a turtle shell?

Supplies Needed:

Glue
Paper (Craft Paper, brown paper bags, or newspaper)
Cardboard
Plastic Wrap
Masking Tape
Large Bowl
Bubble Wrap or Long Sheet of Paper
Paint (Green, White, Black and/or red)
Paint Brushes
Cool Whip Container or Something to hold glue mixture
Scissors

Look at How excited Yoshi was at getting her new props!!!!!

Step 1: Prep Your Work Place

Before I start my paper mache projects, I try to prep my work place. Here are a few things I do to get ready for it:

I'll put down cardboard to work over so I don't get too much glue on the floor.

Cut down the cool whip container to make it easier to pull the pieces out of.

Tear your paper into pieces. I prefer to tear rather than cut the pieces of paper. For me it makes your design a little smoother. Also, I like smaller pieces rather than strip because its easier to get the bubbles out.

Get your Glue Mixture ready! I like to use glue because it is a lot less hassle than flour and water. I'll vary the amount of water according to the paper. A little thicker mixture for thicker paper.

Step 2: Cover the Bowl

Take plastic wrap and use it to cover the bowl. The pieces of wrap should be long enough so that the wrap can be attached to the inside of the bowl. This will allow you to handle the bowl when you have glue on your hands. Secure the plastic wrap with masking tape.

Step 3: Make a Roll for Edge of the Shell

Take bubble wrap (or paper) and roll it. Tape the roll so that it does not come apart. Then wrap the roll around the bottom base of the bowl and use scissors to cut off any excess bubble wrap or paper. Then use masking tape to secure.

Step 4: Add Top of Shell

I didn't care for the top of my bowl and wanted to raise it up. To do this, make a disk or cone out of bubble wrap or paper. Use masking tape to hold it together and to attach to top of bowl.

Step 5: Paper Mache Your Heart Out!

Dip your paper into the glue and remove some of the glue by running it through your fingers. Then apply to the bowl. Overlap the paper as you put it on the bowl. Do not cover it all the way to the bottom (Or typically your top of the bowl when right side up). You want to be able to remove the bowl after you finish. Once you have covered it, let it dry.

*If you have an extra oatmeal container, place the bowl on top of this. It makes it easier to move the bowl or to let it dry.

Step 6: Repeat & Repeat

Add more paper mache layers and let dry. Then Repeat. I did a total of three layers.

Step 7: Remove Bowl

Carefully work the bowl from your paper mache. Make sure that you leave the bubble wrap for the edge of the turtle shell. Then remove the plastic wrap. Becareful with this, the masking tape is still attached to the glue and the plastic wrap. I also removed the top piece that I added to the "bottom of the bowl." You may want to keep a pair of scissors handy to snip masking tape but its best not to completely remove the tape.

Step 8: Paper Mache Again

You want to paper mache the inside of the turtle shell. This will make it stronger and hide the bubble wrap on the inside

Step 9: Paint & Seal

Paint your Turtle Shell with white, green, and black. It took 2 coats of paint and may possibly take more depending on the type of paper you used. Finally, I sealed mine with a glossy clear sealant spray.

Now you got yourself a turtle shell like in Mario.