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Mod Podge Paper Mache Bowls (So Easy!)

Learn how to make Mod Podge paper mache bowls the easy way! You can paint them any colors you like to match your decor. So simple!

Skills Required: None. You can make paper mache with no previous crafting skills. It’s a perfect idea for beginners, and even children.

Mod Podge paper mache bowls

I don’t know about you, but paper mache played a large part in my childhood art classes. I don’t know if it’s an 80s thing or if kids are still doing it today, but there was a lot of paste making with flour and water.

There was a lot of stirring a chunky liquid (because the flour never fully dissolved) and then slapping it onto newspaper. It was a simpler time.

Luckily, times have changed. Well it’s not that they’ve changed that much, but I’m here to show you how to make Mod Podge paper mache. So that you don’t have to mix the ingredients and deal with the chunky water. But why would you want to do that instead?

Well, the nice thing about using Mod Podge to make paper mache is that you can use it directly from the bottle. There’s no mixing. The Podge can also be used to seal the paint on the newspaper (if you choose to paint).

Plus you don’t have to worry about yellowing or crusting or falling apart like you do with the flour and water combo. I highly recommend it for adult projects especially, if not for all of your projects.

But what if your Mod Podge is thick?

If your Mod Podge is thick, I do a few things. First I shake the bottle, then I wet the brush and dip it into the Podge (rather than just dipping a dry brush in). If it’s super duper thick, you can pour some into a separate container and add a touch of water. You just want to thin it a bit, not dilute it completely.

Are you ready to try a Mod Podge paper mache project? It couldn’t be any easier. I’m going to show you how to make this craft at home below.

Mod Podge paper mache

Paper Mache with Mod Podge

Gather These Supplies

Note: You can also use tissue paper, wrapping paper, and other papers in place of newspaper. Whatever you have, give it a try!

Mod Podge newspaper bowls plastic wrap and paintbrushes

The supplies are pretty basic for this project and you probably already have them on hand. One thing to note: you can use a bowl or a balloon as a base for your project. Some people like to blow up balloons and use them to create bowls like was done with this confetti bowl.

I personally like using another bowl for my template because it’s a stable working surface. But, it’s up to you!

Hand holding a bowl covered in plastic wrap

Cover your bowl in plastic wrap. This is so you can release the bowl when you’re done, and protect your bowl (and reuse it) at the same.

Pile of torn newspaper

Tear or cut the newspaper into squares. I decided to use scissors so that the resulting look would be a bit more tidy.

Bottle of Mod Podge Satin next to a bowl wrapped in plastic wrap with a paintbrush

A typical paper mache glue recipe is one part flour and two parts water. Some people add school glue. And when you mix it? It’s kind of clumpy. And stays chunky in some areas. And doesn’t dry clear.

SO I use Mod Podge for my paper crafts!

Choose the Mod Podge formula of your dreams to make Mod Podge paper mache. I recommend Gloss, Matte, or Satin . . . but it really doesn’t matter because you’ll be painting over it.

Painting Mod Podge on top of a bowl covered with plastic wrap

Apply Mod Podge to the outside of the plastic wrap with your paint brush, using a medium layer.

Applying newspaper to a bowl with Mod Podge

Start applying the newspaper to the bowl by pressing the paper down into the Mod Podge, and then brushing right over the top. You’ll be smoothing the newspaper down as you go.

Layering newspaper on top of a paper mache bowl

Continue until the entire bowl is covered. Dip your brush in Mod Podge, brush onto the paper mache surface, and apply more newspaper. Then smooth over the top. Wrinkles will form, but don’t worry about those. It’s part of the character.

Mod Podge paper mache bowl drying

Cover the entire bowl, let dry for 15 – 20 minutes, and then apply a second layer. Yes, you can leave the overhang for now. You will trim that layer. Let dry completely (even overnight if you’re in a humid area).

Removing the tape and newspaper from the bowl

Once dry, remove your paper mache bowl from the bowl you used as a mold. You’ll do this by releasing the plastic wrap.

Removing a green bowl from a paper mache cast

You can bend it a bit if you have to – it should come right out.

Removing the plastic wrap

Then, remove the plastic wrap from the inside of the newly formed paper mache bowl. Here’s where I learned a lesson. More expensive plastic wrap releases easier than cheaper plastic wrap (because it’s thinner).

Green bowl back in the paper mache with scissors trimming the edges

Next you’ll trim the edges. This is where you can use the original bowl to help you! Place it inside your Mod Podge paper mache bowl and use as a template to cut the edge off.

Finishing trimming the edges of the Mod Podge paper mache

Continue trimming all the way around the edge. It doesn’t have to be exact.

Finished newspaper paper mache bowl

Soon enough, you’ll have a finished bowl in your hand!

Painting a newspaper bowl with acrylic paint

You can keep the bowl as-is, or you can paint it. Paint inside. Give it a coat and let dry. See if you need two coats (I used two).

Painting the inside of a Mod Podge paper mache bowl with acrylic paint

Once you’re done, flip the bowl over and completely cover the outside as well. I used a different color on the outside.

Mod Podge hard coat with a newspaper bowl in the background

Once painted, you can leave as-is (again), or you can use Mod Podge to seal. You can use the same Mod Podge from the first steps – or you can use a tougher version, like Mod Podge Hard Coat. I wouldn’t go buy anything special, but I happened to have some on hand.

Finishing painting a paper mache bowl with paint

Give your Mod Podge paper mache two coats of medium, letting dry between coats. Then let dry overnight before using.

Modge Podge paper mache

Time to enjoy your finished Mod Podge paper mache bowl. What do you think? What else are you going to try with this newspaper mache method?


Yield: 1 project

Mod Podge Paper Mache

Modge Podge paper mache

Learn how to use Mod Podge and newspaper to make paper mache! I'll show you how to make a simple bowl and then paint it.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Active Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $0

Materials

  • Bowl (or balloon)
  • Newspaper
  • Plastic wrap
  • Mod Podge
  • Acrylic paint
  • Tape (optional)

Tools

  • Paintbrush
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. Cover a clean, dry bowl in plastic wrap. Tape to the insides if necessary.
  2. Tear or cut several pages of newspaper into squares.
  3. Place a layer of Mod Podge on the outside of the plastic wrap.
  4. Lay down pieces of newspaper down on the surface of the bowl and smooth with a paintbrush covered in Mod Podge.
  5. Continue overlapping newspaper pieces and applying with Mod Podge until the entire bowl is covered. Apply a second layer.
  6. Let the entire bowl dry on your work surface.
  7. Once dry, remove the layer of plastic wrap from the bowl mold, releasing the paper mache bowl. Remove the plastic wrap from the paper mache.
  8. Use the bowl mold as a template to trim the edges of your newspaper bowl.
  9. Paint the inside and outside of the bowl with acrylic paint if desired.
  10. Paint a layer of Mod Podge on both the inside and outside of the bowl; let dry and apply a second coat. Let dry completely before using.

Did You Make This Project?

Please leave a rating or share a photo on Pinterest!


If you enjoyed these Mod Podge bowls, let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out the following projects and posts:

rhonda pyles

Monday 23rd of February 2015

I took a mason jar and grunged it (coffee, cinnamon, modge podge, etc) , when it dried I wanted to put a coat of modge podge on it to seal it. It is staying white! Is there anything I can do to fix it??

Bev Stevens

Sunday 1st of March 2015

Next time water the Modge Podge 50/50 with water and apply a thin coat. It will dry beautifully and change the coffee/cinnamon coating darker and give it a smooth finish. Leave it dry overnight and enjoy!

Amy

Monday 23rd of February 2015

If you are in an area with humidity/cold it can take awhile to dry. You can hit it with a hair dryer!

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