This is how i created a fake apple using paper mache. I loved doing this and i am pleased with the result. Hopefully in the future i will be doing other fruits. :P

Step 1: Materials

For this i used a range of materials as i went along:

Water
PVA Glue
Old Paint brush (For the glue mixture)
Newspaper
Tissue
White acrylic paint
Various coloured acrylics
masking tape
sand paper or rotary tool

Step 2: Make the Initial Shape

To begin with you want to take a piece of newspaper and scrunch it up into a ball. This is to get the initial bulk of the apple done. If need be add more layers to the able until desired size.

Step 3: Securing the Shape

Next using some masking tape, wrap around the shape securing the newspaper so that it does not unravel. I would not recommend using sellotape because it will be hard to stick the layers of news paper to it.

Step 4: Making the Paper Mache Mixture

There are a lot of different recipes out there for making paper mache mixtures. I have always found that this one was easy to make and store and made the paper mache solid once dried.

To make this mixture i did:

1/2 PVA glue
1/4 water

I then mixed them together using an old paint brush. You want the mixture to still be slightly thick but you want enough water that the newspaper absorbs it well.

Step 5: Adding the Layers

To start you want to shred some newspaper into strips. Then you want to dip the strips into the mixture and wipe of the excess with your fingers. This insures you get a good coverage without having too much liquid going everywhere.

If you start to have issues with the paper sliding off i would wait for each layer to dry.

Step 6: Making the Stalk

To make the stalk of the apple wrap and twist some newspaper into a stick shape and use some masking tape to secure it. I then wrapped newspaper around this because once you attach it to the rest of the apple you will find it harder.

Then i secured it to the apple by cutting up some smaller pieces of newspaper and layering it up until i felt that it was secure.

Step 7: Making the Paste

For this apple i added a paste to the out side but this step is not necessary if you want to skip it you can but i felt that it added some depth to the apple.

Skip to step 10 if you don't want to use the paste!

To create the paste i shredded some pieces of tissue and then added a small amount of liquid at a time till i had a thick paste. You may need to add more mixture or more tissue depending on what tissue you use and how thick your mixture was to begin with.

Step 8: Spreading the Paste

Then using the old paint brush spread the paste all over the apple. Don't worry if this looks like a lot because it will shrink back when drying.

Step 9: Sanding

With this step you can hand sand if you have the patience or if you don't you can use a rotary tool like me. I just used a standard sanding belt and went around the entire apple until i was satisfied about how smooth it was.

Step 10: Prime

For this i just used normal acrylic white paint and covered the entire apple. By doing this it means that the colours will stand out better and you wont need to use as much paint. It also means that you can smooth any last bumps with layers of white paint if needed.

Step 11: Painting

For this i used an array of coloured acrylic paints. You don't have to follow me exactly but i would recommend that you have a reference photo in front of you as you are painting to make sure you are getting rough colours right.

I decided to go for a regular apple and began with a green undertone then i painted the apple with a light layer of yellow. I then added some red to the top blending into the yellow as i went. Then i used a darker red at the top and bottom and blended them into the rest of the apple. I then painted the stalk with a burnt sienna. Once done i then when it with a tiny paint brush (size 0) and using an ochre i added lots of different dots all over to make the apple look more realistic. Then using a dry paintbrush i soften these marks into the skin of the apple. But that is just how i painted it.

Step 12: Sealing

I wanted to seal my work and give it a shiny coat similar to the wax that they put on apples in shops to make them look shiny and i also wanted the apple to last and be able to get wet.

WARNING: Use spray as instructed on can.

ALWAYS Wear safety Goggles, Dust mask and gloves.

Spray outside in well ventilated area.

(If needed get an adult to do this for you.)

I found this spray on amazon that had good reviews. I sprayed the apple with a couple of coats following the instructions on the can and a couple of hours later sprayed a couple more until i was satisfied with the coverage.