Use fine paper from around the world to make bowls like an artisan. Choose the color and pattern you want to match the surrounding decor, and create the perfect trinket dish to hold jewelry, office supplies, and more.
Tools and Materials:
- Assorted fine paper
- Circle punch
- Mod Podge
- Glue brush
- Cup
- Tape
- Balloon(s)
- Scrap paper
- Scissors
- Glitter (optional)
PREPARE:
Step 1: Blow up your balloon to the desired size. We made ours with a balloon 7” tall, but we recommended that you don’t go too much larger than this.
Step 2: Perch your balloon in a paper or plastic cup, knot-side-down, and secure it with tape so it stands up.
Step 3: Punch circles, cut strips or different shapes (check out the Plus More Ideas section) out of the paper of your choice. You can make your bowl with one type of paper, or mix prints. Note: the lighter the paper, the more translucent your bowl will look when it’s dry.
PASTE:
Step 4: Coat one side of a circle or strip with Mod Podge and lay it, sticky-side-down, onto the top of your balloon. Add another coat of Mod Podge over it and smooth it down if necessary.
Step 5: Keep adding circles (or strips) overlapping them as you go. Be sure both sides are getting a coat of adhesive.
Step 6: Continue adding paper until you have covered a bowl-shaped area on the balloon.
POP:
Step 7: Allow the bowl to dry overnight, then follow these steps to release it from the balloon:
- Take hold of the knot and gently pull the neck of the balloon so you can snip a tiny hole with scissors to create a slow leak (do not puncture it in the middle—it will pop suddenly and may explode the paper).
- As the air leaks, slowly and gently pull the balloon away from the sides of the bowl until it is completely released.
- Remove the excess film from the Mod Podge with your fingers or a pair of scissors.
- If desired, you can hem the top edge of your bowl with scissors.
PLUS MORE IDEAS:
Make a bowl out of paper leaves for fall! Great for the thanksgiving table. One idea: Have everyone fill out their “I am thankful for…” card and drop it in the bowl.
Add a handle:
- Cut a strip of the paper of your choice.
- Tape down the balloon knot with tape so it doesn’t bulge.
- After step 6 of making your bowl, glue one side of the strip and lay it, sticky-side-down, around the top of the balloon, overlapping it with the edge of the bowl on both sides, then add a coat of glue on top of it.
- Finish the handle by adding a circle to cover the points where it overlaps the bowl.
Make a lantern or nightlight with LED twinkle lights or an LED bulb!
Add glitter:
- Coat the underside of the bowl with glitter while it’s still wet.
- Paint the rim with glue after the bowl has been released from the balloon and coat it with glitter.
Use different shapes:
- Cut or tear the paper into different shapes (instead of using circles).
- To create a nest-like bowl, cut very narrow strips.
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