Papier Mache Urns

Students in fourth grade created papier mache urns.  They had preplanned the design in scratch art.  The difficulty became how to create a three dimensional urn similar to the scratch art.  We began with discs that were cut from a carpet roll.  A balloon was attached to the disc and papier mached.  Necks were created using a variety of materials.  Styrofoam bowls, cardboard or triangular cups were taped on to create what would become the neck or flipped over as the foot of the urn.  Handles were made from strips of cardboard.  Papier mache was then added.  I tried to find a way to strengthen the urns.  Paper pulp was applied to some urns, but students struggled with this material.  As we began to paint the urns, we also struggled to keep the urns from falling a part.  I continued to inflate balloons to keep the urns vertical.  Urns were painted in a variety of ways.  We had urns that looked Egyptian, others painted symbols, patterns, stripes and splatters.  Though this project seemed to be a struggle at times, I do feel it was a success!