DIY paper mache volcano eruption (paper mâché)

Creating a DIY paper mache volcano eruption volcano and making it erupt is a fun and educational project that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build and erupt your very own volcano using household items.

Materials needed:

For the volcano:

• Newspaper pages (whole)

• Newspaper (torn into strips)

• Flour

• Water

• Empty plastic bottle (e.g., soft drinks bottle)

• A large box to keep the eruption contained

• Masking tape

• Paint

• Paintbrushes

• Varnish (we used spray lacquer varnish)

For the eruption:

• Paper or plastic funnel

• A jug

• Warm water

• Red food colouring

• Bicarbonate of soda

• Vinegar

How to make paper mache (mâché)

1. Mix equal parts of flour and warm water in a bowl. 

2. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste.  

3. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more warm water. 

4. Add a pinch of salt to prevent the glue from spoiling and going mouldy. 

How to make the paper mache volcano

1. Begin by putting the bottle in the middle of the cardboard box.

2. creating the base of your volcano using crumpled newspaper.

3. Shape it into a volcano cone around the plastic bottle, leaving the top open.

4. Tape the newspaper to the plastic bottle so that it makes a frame. Make sure that the paper is taped all the way from the top of the open bottle down onto the cardboard box base. This keeps the newspaper inside the frame so that you can use the shape for the paper mâché.

5. Tear strips of newspaper to use for the paper mache (mâché).

6. Dip the newspaper strips into the paste mixture and apply them to the newspaper frame to form the shape of the volcano, layering them until the entire base is covered. Allow it to dry completely.

7. You might want to add a second layer once the first layer is dry.

8. Once the paper mache (mâché) is dry, you can start painting your volcano with brown paint to give it a realistic look.

9. Let the volcano dry overnight.

10. Once completely dry, add a coat of waterproof varnish and let it dry again.

To make the paper mache volcano erupt

1. Put 2 or 3 tea spoons of bicarbonate of soda into the funnel, over the gap in the volcano at the top.

2. Now, mix some food colouring with a little warm water in the jug.

3. Pour that into the top of the volcano.

4. Now pour the vinegar into the top of the volcano and watch what happens!