Upcycled Paper Mache Hand Vase
Transforming old paper into a unique piece of art, the Upcycled Paper Mache Hand Vase is a delightful addition to any home decor. Handcrafted with care and creativity, this vase not only showcases sustainability but also brings a touch of whimsy to your living space. Each detail of the hand-shaped vase tells a story of recycling and reinvention, making it a conversation starter on any tabletop. Embrace the charm of upcycling with this eco-friendly and charming piece that adds a personal touch to your home.
Materials:
- Empty plastic bottle
- Tinfoil
- Masking tape
- Newsprint
- Paper mache paste (flour and water)
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Mod Podge
How To:
Step 1
Wash out the inside of your plastic bottle well and let dry. I used an old shampoo bottle (this Live Clean one has a bit of a curve to the bottle that I thought was a nice shape, but you can use an old water bottle or whatever you happen to have handy). You don’t need a lid for this project, and in fact, if the opening of the bottle is too small, you can cut the top of the bottle now so that you have a nice-sized opening for your vase.
Step 2
Sculpt and shape tinfoil into fingers and tape onto the top of the bottle. Add more foil as needed until you’re happy with the shape.
Step 3
Rip pieces of blank newsprint (or recycled newspaper) in various sizes. You’ll want to have some pretty narrow and thin ones to wrap around the fingers and all the nooks and cranies. Mix your paper mache paste (1 cup flour and 1 cup water). Dip a strip of newsprint into the paste and use your fingers to wipe off most of the excess. Place onto the hand, pressing gently to smooth. Repeat this until the whole hand is covered and let dry completely.
Step 4
Apply a coat of paint over the entire paper mached surface. If you used newspaper, you may need to do a couple of coats for full coverage. Then paint on whatever pattern you like! I was inspired by this pattern I found on Pinterest. Once dry, apply a coat of Mod Podge to seal everything and let dry.
