Make a papier-mâché planet nightlight

Papier-mâché planet nightlight
You will need:
  • A balloon
  • Tissue paper
  • PVA glue
  • Water
  • Paintbrush
  • LED tea light
  • Paints (optional)

1. Start by blowing up the balloon so it makes a nice round shape. This will be the shape of your nightlight, so think about how well it will sit over the top of a tea light.

2. Add 2 parts glue to 1 part water and stir until completely mixed.

3. Tear the tissue paper into small rectangle shapes. It's up to you whether you use all one colour of paper or mix colours to make an interesting effect.

Covering a balloon in Papier-mâché

4. Working methodically, layer your tissue paper rectangles over the outside of the balloon using a generous amount of the glue mixture to ensure every area is fully covered. Leave one end open to roughly the size of your tea light.

If your balloon isn't completely spherical you may need to plan to leave a small gap where the knot is that you can patch later on. In this scenario the other end of the balloon is where the tea light will fit.

5. Continue to build up layers of tissue paper and glue, leaving it to dry between layers if it's looking very soggy. You want your sphere to be thick enough that it holds its shape but thin enough for light to shine through it. 

6. Leave the papier-mâché to dry completely overnight.

Finished Papier-mâché once balloon has been removed

7. Pop the balloon and gently prise it away from the hardened papier-mâché.

8. If you had to leave a hole for the balloon knot patch it carefully and leave to dry.

Fitting an LED tea light into the bottom of the planet

9. Gently fit the tea light into the hole in your planet. You may be able to just ease the papier-mâché around it, or have to cut it with scissors to make it fit.

Rolling the planet in paint to create a landscape effect

10. If you'd like to add some colour to your planet using paint is a great option. Drop some paint onto a tray and then carefully roll your planet around in the tray to make an uneven pattern. Be sure not to let your planet get too wet before leaving the paint to dry!