Make a paper mache animal piggy bank

These are brilliant fun to make and, once painted with bright colours and patterns, look fabulous in kids’ rooms. They’re also a great incentive to save up those pennies if you add a money slot afterwards. Once full, they can be cut open and the contents counted and saved or spent!

What you need

• Balloons
• Several newspapers or packs of tissue paper
• PVA glue
• Poster paints
• Egg cartons
• Pipe cleaners
• Thick art brushes

What to do

1. Blow up your balloon to the size you want your animal.
2. Tear your newspaper or tissue paper into strips 2cm x 10cm and stick onto the balloon using a mix of glue and water (half and half). You can rest the balloon on a mug while you’re doing this.
3. Once you’ve added 3-4 layers, leave the balloon in a warm place until it dries and goes hard.
4. Add legs by cutting out the individual egg holders from an egg carton, and paint and decorate your animal as you choose.
5. Once dry, coat with a thick layer of glue and wait until it dries rock hard and varnished.
6. Using a craft knife, cut a money slot in the top of your finished sculpture, and your work of art is ready to collect your cash!