Comments on: How to Make a Paper Mache Piggy Bank

By: Jonni

Jonni — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:58:57 +0000

Paper mache made with flour and water will last for many years if you keep it dry. That’s the trick for keeping the mold out. One very good way to keep it dry is by adding varnish, although acrylic paint also provides some protection. I like to use a matte acrylic varnish on my sculptures, and I have also used water-based Verathane.

Have fun with your new project.

By: bethann

bethann — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:18:09 +0000

Hello, I am getting ready to make my first ever paper mache project. I did a lot of reading and I am not sure what recipe to use. I hear that flour paper mache projects will not last and may mold unless they are varnished. Should I use a glue and water recipe instead? Please help before I begin…thanks

By: Mikoy

Mikoy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:49:30 +0000

hahaha good job i’ll make ds one for my project at science XD first year high school sucks but (there is a but*) u do not suck you rule men i love you hahaha

By: Sam

Sam — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:30:14 +0000

WOW- I love the piggy! I lead a Brownie troop and was just looking for ideas for our “Building Art” badge – I think this idea may be just perfect! With a little help the 8-9 y/o girls could build something beautiful and recycled too! In between our weekly meetings should give it plenty of time to dry between layers. Thanks!!!

By: Rolene

Rolene — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:25:14 +0000

Wow, I like this variation on the balloon piggy bank. And the piggy looks very real! I wish I had more time so I could make my own!

By: Jonni

Jonni — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:38:21 +0000

I did cut a slot into the back of my pig. I didn’t add a hole for a plug just because I remember how much fun it was trying to jiggle and shake my own piggy bank, way back in the day, when I wanted to retrieve a quarter. However, cutting a hole in the tummy and plugging it with something slightly larger than the largest coin would make sense. Let us know how you decide to do it.

By: Manchmal

Manchmal — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:12:39 +0000

Hi,
I am so impressed with this bank and have some ideas to make one for my son…but you didn’t mention in the directions where you put the coin slot or the ‘plug’ (if there is one)…Thanks for the amazing work.
L

By: Payal

Payal — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 04:46:21 +0000

Thanks Jonni I appreciate all your help.

By: Jonni

Jonni — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:11:36 +0000

Hi Payal. The number of layers you need seems to depend on how solid the crumpled paper and masking tape is under the paper mache. On some of my project I used only two layers, but on others, like the baby whale, I had to add up to 7 or 8 to get the skin hard. My rule of thumb is that if you feel any give after the last layer of paper mache is fully dry, it needs another layer.

By: Payal

Payal — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:05:49 +0000

Hi Jonni,

thanks for your suggestions,I think the second reason maybe true in my case.Can i ask you how many layers should any put on projects with with such features have.I’ve done 4 layers as far as i remember.
Thanks