SEW & TELL: Yarn Scrap & Paper Mache Paste Nest

A few years back I made a yarn bowl and it is still one of my most popular posts. You can check it out here. It’s been a while since I’ve made a batch of paper mache paste and I’ve been wanting to make some nests so I revisited that yarn bowl project and adapted it to make some fun crafty nests.

These are so fun to make and you never know what you’re going to get. Each bowl or nest is unique.

To make a yarn bowl or nest, you’ll need some bowls, yarn scarps and the ingredients for the paper mache paste (flour, water and sugar).

Cover your bowls in plastic wrap. Cut up your yarn into workable lengths or dig into your yarn scrap stash. Make the paper mache paste (recipe here) and let cool slightly. Dip a small bunch of yarn scraps into the paste and squeeze out the excess. Apply the yarn to your bowl. Let the yarn dry. You can place it near the oven or near a portable heater (use caution and check your project frequently). Once the nest is almost dry, remove it from the form so it doesn’t get totally stuck to it and finish drying. Don’t remove the nest too soon or it will fall. It should be almost set.

Add some interesting bits of yarn into your scraps to create an interesting finish.

The shape doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, I love how imperfect these turned out.

Use the nests to decorate a mantel or shelf. Add bits of moss and some eggs for a seasonal touch.

Some paper shreds and a pretty feather create a nice fall look.

Happy nesting!

 

Thank you so much for stopping by.