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Original poster

Papier mache homework disaster - please help!

19 replies

Stillpinching · 19/04/2019 11:59

Ds2 has been told to make a planet for homework. We are the least crafty people ever but with the help of Google used a balloon to make one out of Papier mache. We did that last week and today have painted it.

It seems the paint has made it soggy and it seems to be caving in a bit, or quite a lot. Will it dry and go hard again or is it wrecked? I'm saying it doesn't need to be smooth as any imperfections are craters but ds is getting upset and we've no time to start from scratch. Please help!

OP posts:
OrchidInTheSun · 19/04/2019 12:02

It'll dry out again Smile can you hang it outside?

yogima · 19/04/2019 12:04

Ah I did this once. Made a huge papiere mache earth as a pinata.

I cut a flap in it and dried it with a hairdryer with my hand in 'popping' out the caved in bits. It wasnt perfect but we went down the nature isn't perfect route. 😂

Justaboutawake · 19/04/2019 12:08

It will dry. We covered ours in PVA glue to make it a bit more sturdy.

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Original poster
Stillpinching · 19/04/2019 12:12

Thanks for the replies- have put it out on the patio which is bathed in sun at the moment so fingers crossed. Ds has just announced the teacher said it could be any shape including a square so we'll use a box if it is wrecked. Bloody crafty homework.

OP posts:
gamerwidow · 19/04/2019 12:17

Silly question but did you burst the balloon inside the model, I’ve made the mistake before and was wondering why 3 days later glue was still dripping out of the model....

eddiemairswife · 19/04/2019 12:18

I think these homeworks are unfair and unnecessary. Not everyone has the time or materials to do it. It would be better if teachers gave the information on how to do it, if someone wanted to make it, or did it in class.

Original poster
Stillpinching · 19/04/2019 12:20

Yes we did burst it- I suppose that was a mistake?! Oh dear. My friend who is a primary teacher said to burst it and I thought it would slowly deflate if not. Oh well, he may have to do a cube planet...

OP posts:
mookinsx · 19/04/2019 12:21

Get to hobby craft and buy the polystyrene balls - paint a few and can even arrange on a wire coat hanger to do the solar system (yes I love these kind of projects and live for the day my mom existent kids come home with these tasks)

Original poster
Stillpinching · 19/04/2019 12:23

Well, ds has been ranting about having to do it. He has to have a 5 minute presentation ready to deliver about it too, which is making him a bit anxious. You just know some kids are going to turn up with the most amazing creations...

OP posts:
GoldenBlue · 19/04/2019 12:24

I find using coloured tissue paper works really well to colour paper mache without overly wetting it. I use pure pva glue in a thin coat and just apply the coloured paper on top. It dries with a lovely shine too

FizzyOrange · 19/04/2019 12:28

Could you push something inside it to get the deflated bit to ease outwards? Like a ruler or a knitting needle?

I have worked in primary and honestly, the fact that he has tried to make something is the main thing. We always appreciated the things that the kids had done rather than looking at something that a grown adult had made, so don't worry too much that it isn't museum standard.

For the presentation, could you help him write some cue cards to prompt him as to what he wants to say?

Comefromaway · 19/04/2019 12:31

I always refused to do homework that involved craft (unless it was art). If it couldn’t be done with a pen, pencil, paper, print stick or computer I used to just send a note saying we didn’t have the facilities, skills or resources.

gamerwidow · 19/04/2019 12:31

No, bursting it was the correct thing to do Smile

ChandelierSail · 19/04/2019 13:13

Does it have to be paper mache. ?

Hobbycraft sell polystyrene balls which we used for a planet project. Then you just need to paint it.

flitwit99 · 19/04/2019 21:40

We papier mached a balloon recently. I suspect we were meant to cover the balloon with a layer of paper that hadn't been glued maybe? When we burst the balloon it stayed sticking to the inside layer of paper and the whole thing shrivelled up, even though I had thought it was thick enough and dry enough.

Loyaultemelie · 19/04/2019 22:06

Dd1 and I no longer mention papier-mâché EVER. Dd2 starts at the same school in September and I have already heard there won't be a papier-mâché project Blush

Ariela · 19/04/2019 22:13

If a child cannot manage homework on their own, it shouldn't be done by a parent. I never, ever helped beyond directions or suggestions. If it's a funny shape it doesn't matter, tell your child that the teacher will be pleased that SHE has done it not the parent, which is the whole point of homework: it's set for the child!

Harrietsferrets · 19/04/2019 23:02

If you have to do papier-mâché models but hate the drying time see if you can get hold of the old fashioned brown gummed paper. DM was a primary school teacher and we always used this instead as it dries faster and seems to stay the shape you make it in. Couple of rolls of this and a wet sponge to press the gummed paper to and jobs done.

eddiemairswife · 20/04/2019 09:50

It was during the Blair government that the idea was put forward that primary homework should be a collaborative endeavour between parent and child.

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