DIY Paper Bowl

A little decoupaged bowl made out of songbook pages I found in the dumpster. Here’s the how-to.

1. Get some paper (newspaper, scrap paper, packing paper, anything that’s on the thinner side), Mod Podge or PVA glue, a bowl with a smooth bottom that will be your mold, and either plastic wrap or foil.

2. Wrap the outside of your bowl with the plastic wrap or foil. Smooth it down as much as you can and fold the edges into the center of your bowl.

3. Rip up your paper into bits.

4. Flip your wrapped bowl upside down and set it on some sort stand, like a glass or jar. Coat both sides of each paper scrap with Mod Podge. (I dipped mine in the glue and used my fingers to smear it on.) Smooth each piece onto the outside of your bowl, overlapping the edges. (See here for pictures of the process on a similar project.) I kept adding paper until I had about 3 layers.

5. Wait for the bowl to dry. Mine took two or three days. Seriously. Wait until every last bit of glue showing through the plastic wrap dries clear.

6. Freak out a little bit, wondering if you’ll be able to pull your original bowl out of the paper. Pull the bowl out of the paper. Breathe a sigh of relief. Remove the plastic wrap.

7. Use a sharp scissors to trim off the rough edges of the bowl.

8. Paint if desired. I was just going to do just the inside, but decided to keep going. (Note: painting your vessel white will make it look like a creepy mummified bowl, so be prepared to add some decoration. I used a DecoColor paint pen to draw on a design.

Please don’t eat cereal out of your bowl and sue me when you get sick. It’s not food safe! Use it for wrapped candy or keys or loose change.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Dana W.

12:59PM PST on Nov 25, 2012

I loved doing decopauge when I was younger and I like the idea of using bowls as molds and plastic wrap. Feeling inspired.

November 25
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Diana W.

1:16PM PST on Dec 14, 2011

Interesting technique...
Thanks!

December 14
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Kirsten B.

4:33AM PST on Nov 26, 2011

Perfect project for my little one to make for her grandmother! Thank you! I'll use traditional papier maché glue for it though (flour and water).

November 26
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Jax x.

4:52AM PDT on Aug 22, 2010

i make these every year, varying the types of bowls i use to get different shapes. they are always well received as gifts. i paint both sides of the bowl and tear round the edges to give a different look, then varnish all over for a nice shine. we use one at home for loose change and it's still going strong after 7 years. lovely article, thanks veronica.

August 22
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10:51PM PST on Jan 7, 2010

These are so cool, I think these would look great as vases as well!!. What a beautiful idea. I think I’ll try making a few for a very special group of friends. Thanks for sharing!
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