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Paper Mache Hand With Light
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How to Make a Paper Mache Hand

Create a spooky paper mache hand using tissue paper and a simple glove mold. It's the perfect DIY for Halloween! Add lights inside for an eerie effect and use it as a fun (and slightly creepy!) decoration for parties or displays.
Active Time1 hour
Drying Time8 hours
Total Time9 hours
Yield: 1 paper mache hand
Author: Debbie Chapman
Cost: $1

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

Step 1: Find what you need

  • Gather your supplies and materials.
    Paper Mache Hand Supplies

Step 2: Prepare to make your paper mache hand

  • Add 1 part glue and 1 part water to a bowl.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Stir until well combined. You can use a spoon, whisk, or even the top of a paintbrush, like we did here.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Cut red tissue paper (or another colour of your choice) into strips approximately 1 by 2 inches. (They don't have to be exact.)
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Blow up a nitrile glove and tie a knot at the bottom to keep the air in, like a balloon.
    Don't add too much air -- you want the glove to look natural, like a hand, instead of being puffy.
    Paper Mache Hand

Step 3: Add tissue paper mache to the glove

  • Use a paintbrush to add a thin layer of the glue mixture onto the glove.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Add strips of tissue paper onto the glove. Place them haphazardly, overlapping them.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Apply more of the glue mixture on top of the tissue paper to keep them in place.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Add more tissue paper to cover any gaps, brushing more glue overtop. You want at least 2 layers of tissue paper in each area so the hand will keep its shape.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Repeat these steps, covering both sides of the hand. For the fingers, wrap the tissue paper around like bandages and finish with a couple pieces going over the fingertip.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Ensure that the hand is well covered with tissue paper -- especially at the bottom of the hand -- so it'll be strong enough to stand on its own. We recommend about 5 layers of tissue paper on the bottom.
    Then set the hand on a plastic cup or bowl, and allow to dry overnight. Flip the hand over partway through the drying time.
    Paper Mache Hand

Step 4: Remove the glove and add lights

  • Snip the glove above the knot (just like how you'd deflate a balloon).
    Paper Mache Hand
  • As the glove deflates, peel it away from the tissue paper. It can be a bit tricky to get the fingers out, but if you go one by one it does work.
    You can use tweezers to help you and, if the fingers get a bit crushed, you can use a pencil to push them back out.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Your paper mache hand is complete!
    Trim the bottom edge to be even if it doesn't stand up on its own.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Now insert fairy lights into the hand. You can also place the hand over a battery operated tealight candle.
    Paper Mache Hand
  • Then have fun using your glowing tissue paper mache hand props as part of your Halloween decor!
    Paper Mache Hand

Notes

Looking for more paper mache crafts? Here's a few of our favourites:
Paper Mache Pumpkins
How to Make Paper Mache
DIY Balloon Pinata