How to Create a Halloween-Inspired Vase Using Paper Mache

Are you looking to add a touch of fun to your Halloween decor this year? Look no further than this adorable DIY paper-mache Halloween-inspired vase and matching bowl! With just a few simple materials, like newspaper, glue and acrylic paint, you can create a beautiful centrepiece to perfectly complement your home decor, together with any spooky celebrations you have planned.

Here, we’ll explain the proper technique for working with paper mache in order to achieve the perfect Halloween decor pieces for the season ahead. Let’s get started!

Materials Required:

Newspaper sheets
White glue
Small or medium bowl/vase
Painter’s tape
Scissors
Acrylic paint in white and black
Plastic bag

Step 1: Prep Your Materials

Let’s start by prepping our workspace and protecting the surface area where you will craft the paper mache to prevent any mess (a plastic tablecloth or newspaper works well). Grab your vase (and bowl if creating both) and wrap them in a plastic bag with painter’s tape. Tip: Keep in mind the size of your bowl and vase, as it will be the same proportion in paper-mache form.

Step 2: Let’s Paper Mache!

Now, tear or cut the newspaper into strips, and mix lukewarm water with white glue into a bowl. Dip each piece of newspaper into the paper-mache glue mix, ensuring it’s covered in both sides. Remove with your fingers any excess liquid and place the newspaper piece on top of the bowl or vase. Repeat this process, overlapping the paper until the base is covered with a full layer. We repeated this process up to three/four layers. You can do the same until you score the desired thickness. Allow the layers to dry overnight before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Having Fun Decorating

Remove the dried paper-mache creation from the vase and/or bowl base. Now, it’s time to decorate! Using acrylic paint, coat the entire surface of your paper-mache vase and bowl, and let it dry to the touch. We added a spooky ghost theme to both of our DIY pieces.