Blow up a round balloon or several twistable balloons (creating simple balloon animal bugs) to create the bug's body. While this is a simple way to create a form for the bug, artists or students can use all sorts of recyclable materials such as empty plastic bottles or containers and paper cups to form the bug's body. Consider making arms, legs, antennae or a connected head by fastening together a combination of materials with duct tape to define the bug's body or add additional shape. Use lids of bottles to make extended bug eyes that pop out. Make legs from yogurt cups or empty toilet paper rolls ,and wings from paper plates cut in half. To create tails and antennae, roll up thin cardboard and secure it with tape.
Make a batch of papier-mache glue. Try a recipe recommended by the staff at "Family Fun" magazine, who have tested multiple recipes for performance. You will need flour, water and sugar. The amounts will vary depending on how much you want to make, but for every four parts of water that you use, you'll need one-half part flour and one-quarter part sugar. For example, if you use four cups of water, you'll use one-half cup flour and one-quarter cup sugar. First boil two parts water (half of your total water). In a separate bowl mix one-half part flour with two parts cold water. Add the cold water mixture into the boiling water, bringing it to a second boil. Remove it from heat and add one-quarter part sugar. Mix it and let it cool before use.
Cut strips of paper to use for making the papier-mache bug. Use colorful paper if you want, or use newspaper or recycled paper and paint the bug for color. Set up your workspace, laying down newspaper or anything else that will catch the mess. Working outdoors is often a good idea, especially if children are working on the project.
Layer paper, newspaper or tissue paper over the body form (balloon or combination of duct-taped materials) by dipping each strip into the glue and then spreading the paper onto the body's surface. Repeat this over and over, creating a thick layer of glued paper. It is OK to work on the project at different times, allowing it to dry in between applications.
Set the completed papier-mache bug's body out to dry when you are satisfied with your creation. The thicker the bug's body, the longer it will take to dry. When it is dry, the paper will be hard and you can knock gently on it to verify it is hard.
Paint the papier-mache bug to resemble the bug you are making. For example, paint a lady bug red with black polka dots or a bee with black and yellow stripes. Look at pictures of real bugs for inspiration and try to match the paint colors and capture any unique characteristics, such as the striped or polka-dotted patterns.
Embellish your bug to add detail. Glue on googly eyeballs from a craft store or glue on wings cut from construction paper or made with wire and thin nylon material. If the bug does not have papier-mache legs, arms or antennae, make some with pipe cleaners, streamers, wire or using your own ideas.