how to make a paper mache archway

We started our archway simply with a box of heavy cardboard tubes.we used 6 for the arch and used 4 more to make the cake stands.

Other supplies needed. Pva glue,Clag Glue, Chicken wire,Masking tape,Newspapers ,Alfoil , tissues and a variety of spray paints.

                                               

we used pva glue to glue three tubes per side together,then rolled 2metres of chicken wire and slipped it over each of the tube ends and secured it with cable ties.

Next we filled out the inside of the wire roll with scrunched newspaper and wrapped more newspaper around the outside of the wire and wrapped it in masking tape.

Next we made paper mache glue using 50% clag glue and 50% pva glue and coated the entire arch in a layer of paper mache building up some areas in several layers and let rest for 24 hours. Then using alfoil we twisted shapes to look like coral and glued it to areas of the arch.

This step requires a large paint brush and you make a mix of 50% pva glue to 50% water which you paint the entire arch with. Then place a layer of tissue all over and paint again with water to glue mix. This gives a textured effect which will show when you paint.

When you paint make sure you spray the lighter colours first then with darker colours highlight your coral area.

Spray until you get the colour your after and this is what you will have in the end .

The cake stands were done the same we just glued a cake board to our cardboard tubes and the risers were foam cake dummies with just the tissue and glue to water mix on them. So Easy and gives great effects.

Reptile Themed Party

             my aunty made this great canopy for the party and rather then using material by the metre this canopy and table cover was made from sheets . if your creating a party on a budget this is a much cheaper option . 

 we used lots of old wooden crates and artificial plants to create a                                     garden feel to the tables

Adding toy lizards , snakes and spiders from the reject shop and kmart also gave it the reptile theme.

Old buckets are great for putting treats in and cheap little spice jars make great party favours.

to create the gumball holder we simply cut old fence pailings and used wood glue to stick it together making a box. i purchased two terracotta pots from kmart for $1.25 each soaked them in steralising solution lined them with cling wrap and filled with gumballs.