How to Build a Paper Mache Owl

The starlings, cedar wax wings, robins and crows are fighting over the rainier cherries. We would like to have some too, so we decided to build some paper maiche owls to scare away the birds.

Supplies:
flour
water
salt
newspaper
balloons
notion of what an owl looks like


Step 1.
Use a one part flour to two parts water, but then you need to improvise to find the thickness you like. I found a batter consistency worked well. Add a little salt--the theory is that salt will prevent mold.

Step 2.
Cut up lots of strips of newspaper. You can use a ruler if you want straightish edges. Start ripping. You should rip more than you think you need--try the business section of a daily newspaper-- as it is hard to rip once your hands are covered in batter. You may want to wear gloves as the ink in newspapers are generally unhealthy.

Step 3.
Make a form for the owl. A balloon is easiest and almost owl shaped.


Step 4.
Dip, smear, paste the newspaper to the form.

We painted eyes on the owls. There are a couple of species of birds that have markings on the back of their head that look like eyes, so we painted eyes on both the front and back.