Gold Leaf Paper Mache Bowls


Try making this practical and pretty bowl set. It will make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift—great for holding jewelry or as a place for reminders.

  1. To create your bowl forms, you’ll need to start with balloons. Buy a couple packages in different sizes, so that not all bowls are the same.  I used 5”,  9”, and 12” balloons.
  2. Cut up newspaper into small strips. Using a foam brush, adhere the newspaper to your balloons using the Mod Podge. Be generous! The more layers, the thicker the bowl. (Make sure it is not too thin—apply more than you think!)
  3. Place balloons upside down inside paper cups and let them dry overnight.
  4. Once dry, pop each balloon with scissors and remove the latex. What you will have left is a bowl mold with imperfect edges. Use scissors to trim it down to the depth you want. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I think the irregular shape is what makes these unique.
  5. Decorate with paint and then gold leaf applied on top. Allow plenty of time to dry.

by Kelli from KelliMurray.com