- Skill Level: Novice
Creating a paper-mache volcano is a timeless science-fair activity, but you needn’t wait for a school task to build one at home. This enjoyable, family-oriented craft can be completed whenever you like (perhaps on a wet Saturday). Paper-mache is a method for forming objects from torn paper—usually newspaper—and adhesive. Paper-mache adhesive, or paste, consists of a simple blend of flour and water. The paste is brushed over layers of shaped paper, keeping them together as they dry into the intended form. Although paper-mache paste comes in two varieties—cooked and no-cook—this activity is most suitable for the no-cook version.
Supplies Needed
Tools / Equipment
- Paintbrushes
- Small paper tumbler
- Small funnel
- Mixing utensil
Supplies
- Cardboard or a circular cardboard cake board approximately 2 feet across
- Small paper cup or compact water bottle
- Painter’s tape
- Paper-mache paste
- Newsprint
- A selection of acrylic paint colors
- 1 Tablespoon warm water
- Liquid dish soap
- Red food dye
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons baking soda
- White distilled vinegar
Directions
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Create the Foundation
To create a platform for the bottle or cup, wad up some newspaper into a lump roughly the size of a hamburger inside a bun. Fix the base to the middle of the cardboard or cake board with tape. Then use masking tape to hold the bottle or cup upright in the center of the mound you made.
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Shape the Volcano
Begin shaping the volcano by placing crumpled newspaper around the bottle or cup’s sides, making the lower section as broad as desired. Sculpt it into a cone, ensuring the volcano is slimmer near the top of the bottle or cup than it is around the base.
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Cover the Volcano With Masking Tape
Use masking tape to wrap the newspaper, creating a smooth exterior. This will also fasten the newspaper to the base.
Tip
Avoid covering the bottle or cup’s opening at the top of the structure with masking tape—it must remain open so the eruption can occur.
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Shape the Volcano’s Exterior
Rip additional newspaper into strips approximately 1 to 2 inches wide. Dip one strip into the paste to thoroughly coat it. Alternatively, hold the strip in one hand while applying the paste with a paintbrush held in the other. Use your fingers to position and smooth the newspaper strips across the entire volcano and base. Continue until everything is covered. Arrange the strips so they overlap and point in various directions.
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Allow the Volcano to Dry
Once the first layer of paper strips has been added, let the paste dry for 24 hours. You may add additional layers until the volcano reaches your preferred shape, but remember that each layer of strips and glue must dry for 24 hours.
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Color the Volcano
After the newspaper and glue have dried fully, you can paint the volcano with as much texture, detail, and color as desired. Choose brown or gray for the rocks, green for plant life, and red to represent the lava that will spill from the top. Place small trees or dinosaurs around the base to create a prehistoric setting.
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Prepare the Lava
Pour 1 tablespoon of warm water into the volcano’s crater, which is the top of the bottle or cup. Then mix in three to four drops of dishwashing liquid. Add the baking soda and blend it with a slim utensil or stick. Fill a separate paper cup one-third full with white vinegar, then stir in a few drops of red food coloring.
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Create the Eruption
Rapidly pour the vinegar into the volcano’s crater, move away, and observe as the fizzy, bright-red eruption starts.