Thursday, March 10, 2011

Etceteras: yarn bowl

Paper Mache Yarn Bowl via homework | carolynshomework.com
Day 3 of my paper mache paste craft-a-thon. You can see my first two projects here and here.

After I finished both of those projects, I still had plenty of paper mache paste left. So, I threw a bunch of yarn into the paste to make this bowl.
Paper Mache Yarn Bowl via homework | carolynshomework.com
I remembered reading about making yarn bowls by wrapping the yarn dipped into glue around a balloon. I wanted my bowl to have more of a bowl shape and flat bottom so I wrapped saran wrap around the outside of a mixing bowl. Then I wrapped my yarn around the saran wrapped bowl.



 Paper Mache Yarn Bowl via homework | carolynshomework.com

I let the bowl dry overnight and carefully removed the saran and yarn from the mixing bowl. I then peeled the saran wrap away from the yarn.

In case you missed it, here’s the recipe for the paper mache paste.

Combine ½ cup flour and 2 cups cold water in a bowl.
Boil 2 cups of water in a sauce pan and add the flour and cold water mixture.
Bring to a boil again.
Remove from heat and add 3 tablespoons of sugar.
Let cool. The paste will thicken as it cools.


Paper Mache Yarn Bowl via homework | carolynshomework.com


Make a batch of this paste for a rainy-day craft with kids. It’s fun for big kids too!


Paper Mache Yarn Bowl via homework | carolynshomework.com

Thank you so much for stopping by.
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74 comments :

  1. Love it! I think I might have to try this myself sometime...thanks for sharing!

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  2. I love this!. I just hope my cat doesn't get too nosy and want to take a bite out of it!. lol I like the lines in this

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  3. this turned out great!

    i may just have to make one.
    abranconier.blogspot.com

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  4. What a great way to use up some of my leftover yarn and create a basket when I just can't find the right one. Great idea, thanks!

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  5. Really beautiful texture and shape! I think I am going to jump at the idea of playing with some paper mache... it's been way too long!

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  6. oh, this is so cool. endless possibilities here....thank you, thank you for posting the recipe!

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  7. Humidity can make this collapse, so you may want to seal this somehow. Very cute tho.

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  8. What a great idea! I think I might try this for small easter baskets.

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  9. That is so darling! I'm glad I stopped by from Whipperberry...

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  10. Wow I found your blog somehow not sure via someone elses...and I LOVE your designs!! I first saw the ADORABLE carrots you made using yarn...How sweet to pair them with this incredible bowl!! I LOVE them both!! Thanks for sharing them...I wondered how you got the bottom of the carrot to finish off so neatly? Have a great day! Cookie

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  11. How fun! I just love your beautiful projects!
    Thanks for linking up to Making It With Allie! I can't wait to see what you have for next week!
    AllieMakes.Blogspot.com

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  12. I think I might try this in brown with some shorter pieces and make it look like a nest for springtime...thanks, love it!! :-)

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  13. That yarn bowl is so modern and chic ^_^

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  14. WOW!! This would make a really cute alternative to an easter basket for my mom and grandma !!! Pink yarn anyone?!

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  15. Very beautiful, I love to try this. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. I've never heard of adding sugar. I've always heard of adding salt so it doesn't mold. Interesting, thanks!

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  17. Just tried this today with my 6 year old. She is so anxious for it to dry.

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  18. Hi, So i am just getting the hang of this blogging stuff and have realized that I should tell you that I linked to this site on my latest post about yarn balls since I used your recipe for paper mache. I tried to encourage people to visit here and I hope I have done alright (please let me know if you would like me to change anything). I also would like to thank you for this post since I don't think my craft would have turned out otherwise! you are great! http://keytoflow.blogspot.com/

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  19. So clever and beautiful, I love the bowl, new follower, glad to find you!

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  20. What a wonderful bowl, really need to do one of these one day!

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  21. could you use starch for this?

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  22. What a great idea! I must try this one.
    And it's eco-friendly, just the way I like it.

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  23. This is a beautiful and creative idea. I plan to make it. Thank you for sharing.

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  24. This looks awesome! About how long does it take to dry? I'd love to try it as a library program!

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    1. Thank you for all the sweet comments on my yarn bowl. The drying time depends on the weather. On a hot sunny day/night, it will dry overnight. If it's cold it could take longer. I set mine by a portable fan or heater (not too close) to speed up drying time.

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  25. I ♥ this idea .... would make great gifts!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  26. This is a great project. I love the texture and can't wait for it to dry. I am doing this with a group of girls and want to make the paste ahead of time. How long will the paste last in a sealed jar? Do you think it needs to be refrigerated to keep?

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  27. I haven't stored it for any longer than overnight but I read that you can store it in the fridge for a few days. Thanks for visiting! Have fun.

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  28. Love it!! looks amazing :) can't wait to do it myself!
    Your blog is lovely :)

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  29. would the sugar in the paste attract ants? :P but great idea! gonna do it tomrrow!

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    Replies
    1. I've never had an ant problem but if you're concerned or have had ants, you may want to try an alternate recipe. I recall seeing one that used salt instead of sugar. Try googling for recipes. Thanks for visiting!

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    2. Have you tried this yet? Did you use the recipe with sugar and have problem with bugs or found a different recipe? I am planning to do this for a camp craft and didn't think about the sugar attracting bugs......

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  30. I absolutely love this! I just got a bag full of yarn that my grandma gave me! SO excited to try this! I have a gallon of Elmer's glue. Would that work in place of the paper mache?

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  31. Hey this is great!! I was just wondering if you could use the same paste for the yarn balloons? Other blogs seemed to have a 50/50 chance of success with their balloons and this seems more sturdy. Thanks!

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    1. I think it would work fine for yarn balloons. It's sort of the same concept- I just wrapped my yarn around a bowl instead of a balloon. Give it a try! Have fun!

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  32. I love this idea! does the paste dry clear? I'd love to try this with some hemp rope I have.

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    1. The paste does dry clear. Very similar to white glue. Have fun with your rope bowl!

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  33. Are the instructions gone? I have some neices and nephews coming over and was hoping I could send them home with yarn bowls (and a bunch of my scrap yarn, lol). Please let mw know if I'm just missing it somewhere here?

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  34. RacMacA, all I see are the Commments. The directions (-paste recipe) is here: http://elisabethandree.posterous.com/threads-threads-lots-of-threads

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  35. I'm sorry, but I am following any and every place I'm told to get the recipe for the paste and all I'm getting is the picture of the bowl (love it!) and the yarn scraps and comments to follow or picture of crocheted blankets and purses. What am I doing wrong?

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  36. New follower!! LOVE this. My daughter and I will be making some for Christmas!

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  37. would this need to be "sealed" to prevent humidity or other type of damage from occurring? this idea is wonderful - adding it to my list of upcoming projects. thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. You could probably seal it if you wanted it to last longer. I'm not sure what to recommend sealing it with. Maybe a waterproofing spray or some kind of matte clear coat spray. Have fun making your bowl!

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    2. I am wondering if applying a thick layer of Podge glue would seal it and make it more durable?

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  38. Besides the other two projects that you mentioned, did you post any more of your paper mache projects? Love your bowl. Did something similar but with the sides tighter. I thought about doing something open. Looks nice with the yarn. I used hemp for a more basket feel.

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  39. This is a great idea! Lots of uses - thanks for sharing it.

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  40. I can't get my Bowl out of the Saran wrap and yarn. Any suggestions?

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  41. This is genius! :) I love it! SO creative! :) Thank you for sharing! :) I'm trying to envison what room in my house a yarn bowl would look best in now lol :) Thank you!

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  42. This is such a cute idea and would be darling for Easter in some colored yarn. Will definitely put this on my to do list with the grandkids, thanks

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  43. Carolyn, I made the paste, and what I noticed after the bowl sat for a day, it began to smell like it was rotten...have you come across anything like that happening?

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    1. Kathy - I've been making this paste for years and that has never happened to me. Maybe it was some strange combination of the paste and the fiber or material you were using. Also, if the weather isn't cooperating and it isn't drying quickly, you can set it near your stove or near a portable heater (not too close). So sorry you had a bad experience with the paste.

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    2. Hello Kathy B and Carolyn, I have made the bowl. It is beautifull! But the smell is not nice.... will try the PVA....

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  44. really neat idea for use of scrap yarn. can you use elmers glue and water or mod podge in place of this method?

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    1. Hi Rebecca, Yes, I believe white glue and water is the same as Mod Podge. It should work fine. Have fun!

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  45. I'm so trying this. My 2 year old is going to think it's the coolest thing. Thanks for the recipe!

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  46. That's such a cool idea. Now I'll look on your blog for how to do the paste.

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  47. Oh, cool, I see it. I missed it earlier.

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  48. Hola Carolyn!
    He quedado fascinada con este "Yarn Bowl", fantástica idea!
    Muchas gracias por compartirla!
    Desde Montevideo Uruguay Sudamérica

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  49. That's really cool. Fairly cheap to do too- since you don't have to buy craft glue or any other expensive ingredients. Yarn is usually quite affordable and you do not have to use a lot to make a bowl. You can also come up with different designs using two or more colors.

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  50. To remove item from form I read that you should remove just before it is completely dry...almost dry. Would it be a good idea to spray with a varnish spray after a few days of drying? Would protect from insects finding the sugar and also protect from moisture.

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    Replies
    1. I think the varnish would work fine. You may want to make an extra one and try it out. It's hard not to make a bunch as long as you have the paste made up.

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  51. What a great way to use up some of my leftover yarn and create a basket when I just can't find the right one. Great idea, thanks!

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  52. I love it.
    SO creative!
    Thank you for sharing.

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  53. Your bowl turned out beautifully! Pinned to share :)

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  54. I like evrything from yarn. This is such a cute idea and would be darling for Easter in some colored yarn. Will definitely put this on my to do list with the grandkids, thanks.

    i think it would be great to put some little colorful ball or dried flowers inside.

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