Introduction: Paper Mache Volcano WITHOUT Using Newspaper
How many hundreds of paper mache volcanos have been made by students & parents for school science fairs?! That’s lots of paper, glue & mess. The paper mache volcano is not an original idea, but this method using paper coffee filters makes the process a little simpler.
Materials/Tools:
- Empty glass soda or beer bottle at least 8” tall
- Lots of plastic grocery bags
- Painters Tape
- Coffee filters (not the cone shaped ones)
- White glue, large flat mixing container
- Mod Podge
- Four year old child with paints
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Waterproof table cover
Step 1: Cover Work Surface With a Waterproof Table Cover. Cover This With Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil on Which to Build the Volcano.
Place bottle on table, lightly scrunch up the plastic grocery bags & place them around the bottle (do not cover the bottle opening), taping in place until you are pleased with the shape.
Step 2: Add Coffee Filters.
Thin the white glue with a little bit of water mixing it in the flat container. Don’t make it too runny. Throughly soak each coffee filter in the mix working with one at a time. Place it on the bagged volcano shape. Continue placing filters on the volcano, overlapping where necessary. Smooth out any air bubbles. One layer was enough. Let dry. Give the volcano a couple of coats of mod podge to add strength. Let dry between coats. Once dry, carefully peel away the plastic bags. The volcano is ready for paint.
Step 3: Let the Four Year Old Go to Town Creating a Volcano Masterpiece!
Step 4: Watch This Video to See What Happens Next!
To use the volcano: Place the paper mache volcano over the same bottle used to construct the form. Add your favorite kid-friendly explosive mix (baking soda, vinegar, & food coloring) & watch the eruption with the same glee as a kid!