Have kids cover a standard round balloon with paper mache to create planets or even the globe. When the paper mache planet or globe sculpture is dry, kids can paint it to reflect a planet of their choosing or paint the oceans and continents on it. To make the project more educational, have children label the globe or add interesting facts to planets with permanent marker.
Create animals from twisting balloons. Children can use their own imaginations to create animals of their choice, including imaginary animals, or use instructions from a balloon-animal book. Cover the balloon animal with paper mache to make a sculpture of the balloon animal. Paint the creation after it has dried, adding features to make the animal look realistic, or it can be painted according to a child's imagination.
Cut out a mask shape from heavy paper or thin cardboard, to fit the child's face. Cover the mask with paper mache. While the paper mache is still wet, mold the mask to the shape of the face by rolling it on a balloon or placing an empty toilet paper roll under the nose area. Consider using colorful paper for the outer paper mache layers or paint the mask when it dries to add detail. Kids can also decorate their mask with feathers, rhinestones, glitter or anything else they like.
Blow up a standard round balloon. Place paper mache on one half of the balloon to create a bowl shape. Add enough paper mache layers to make the bowl sturdy. Add an optional stand for the bowl by taping a recycled lid from a jar or container to the bottom and covering it with paper mache. When the bowl has dried, paint it to decorate it.
Cut rings from an empty paper towel tube or toilet paper roll. Cover each ring with paper mache. When the rings dry, paint them or add decorations. Make multiple rings to make a set. Paper mache napkin rings make an excellent homemade gift idea.
Use recycled items such as empty bottles, containers or cartons to make monster or creature sculptures. Kids can build their characters with items they select, gluing or duct taping recycled items to make figures. Then cover the creations with paper mache. When the paper mache has dried, paint and decorate them.