How To Make a Fun Papier-Mâché Candy Bowl for Halloween

By Sheniece Chappell
Photographs by Michael Roytek

Turn ordinary paper and a balloon into a spook-tacular candy bowl — perfect for holding treats on Halloween night.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR YOUR HALLOWEEN CANDY BOWL

1 balloon
Small plastic bowl
Small paper bowl
Foam brush
Matte finish (like Mod Podge)
Ice-pop stick
Scissors
Tape
Water
White glue
Scrap paper (magazine, newspaper, paper towel, etc.)
Optional: paint, markers, stickers or other craft supplies

WHAT YOU’LL DO TO MAKE A PAPIER-MÂCHÉ CANDY BOWL:

STEP 1: Inflate the balloon to the size you want your bowl to be. Place the balloon knot-side down into a sturdy plastic bowl to keep it steady. Use tape to secure it in place so it doesn’t move while you work.

STEP 2: Tear your scrap paper into strips that are approximately 1 inch wide. The total number of strips will depend on the size of your balloon. Tear enough strips to create four layers.

STEP 3: In the paper bowl, make a mixture of 60% glue and 40% water. Using an ice-pop stick, stir the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth. The paste should be slightly thick but spreadable.

STEP 4: Use the foam brush to spread a thin layer of paste all over the top of the balloon. Stick a strip of paper on the pasted area, and then brush more paste on top to completely cover the paper. Continue adding strips and paste one layer at a time until you have created three full layers.

STEP 5: Repeat the previous step to add the final layer of scrap paper, but this time, use matte finish instead of glue paste. This will give your bowl extra strength and a smooth finish. Let the balloon dry overnight.

STEP 6: Carefully remove the balloon from the bowl. Use scissors to snip the knot side of the balloon, and allow the air to release. If the balloon doesn’t separate from the paper immediately, wait a few seconds — it should loosen on its own. Once removed, clean out any leftover paper scraps, glue or balloon pieces from the inside of your bowl.

STEP 7: Use scissors to trim the edges of your bowl, shaping it into a smooth, even rim. Take your time to create the look you want.

You can decorate your candy bowl for Halloween using paint, markers, stickers or other craft supplies to make spooky or silly designs.

PRO TIP: For a cleaner, more finished edge, attach strips of paper around the rim of the bowl using the matte finish. Press them down firmly. Then let the glue dry four to six hours. This will help reinforce the edge and give your bowl a polished look.