Flat Cardboard Apple
The cardboard apple is the simplest method for making apples for display. The activity involves children doing papier mache over a piece of apple-shaped cardboard. Children as young as 8 years old can do this project.
Materials Needed: Cardboard that has been cut into the shape of an apple; strips of newspaper for papier mache; wheat paste; water; red and brown paint – tempera or acrylic.
- To make a papier mache cardboard apple, first have an adult cut the cardboard into the shape of an apple. Rip newspaper into thin strips and mix the wheat paste with water according to the instructions on the package.
- The rest of this art project is simple enough for second grade children to work on. Have the children dip the newspaper strips into the wheat paste and then wrap the cardboard apple with the wet strips. Cover the apple shape in one layer and allow it to dry for one or two days. A second layer of newspaper can then be added, and as many layers as desired for added strength and fullness.
- When the papier mache cardboard apple is completely dry, it is read to be painted. Use either tempera or acrylic paint to paint the apple and stem. After the paint has dried, the apples can be threaded for hanging or hung on a display board.
Crumpled Paper Method
A papier mache apple made from crumpled newspaper uses very few supplies and can be made by children in the third grade and in higher grades. Aside from making an interesting prop for a class play or an autumn display, the crumpled paper method is a great way to teach children about sculpting and reusing newspapers.
Materials Needed: newspaper; wheat paste; water; red and brown paint – tempera or acrylic.
- Before beginning the crumple paper apple, mix the powdered wheat paste and water together as directed on packaging. Rip some of the newspaper into thin strips for papier mache.
- First, crumple one to two large sheets of newspaper into the basic shape of an apple: wide on top and tapering towards the bottom. Dip the strips of newspaper into the wheat paste and begin wrapping the crumpled newspaper, paying attention to the shape of the apple. After two layers, allow the paper apple to dry for one to two days. When dry, add another layer of newspaper. Twist one strip of newspaper dipped in wheat paste to make a stem for the apple. Hold it in place with strips of newspaper. When finished, allow the apple to dry completely before painting it with either tempera or acrylic paint. If the stem comes off, it can either be glued back in place or taped down with masking tape (paint over the masking tape).
Other Methods
There are many other ways to make papier mache apples. For example, a small balloon can be used as the basic apple shape. Papier mache over the balloon. For sculpting, have children make the basic apple shape out of aluminum foil before wrapping the shape in papier mache. High school teachers may want to look into more involved methods of making papier mache apples, such as by first making a plaster of Paris mold from a real apple.
Whatever method teachers choose to make papier mache apples, the art lesson can be tied in with numerous school subjects, such as health and nutrition. There’s also Johnny Appleseed and autumn festivals, both are a common part of the elementary curriculum.
