Step 2 Paper Mache

I love late afternoon in the fall. Sitting outside between 5 and 7, just relaxing and watching the world. The air feels good and smells good and the light is beautiful. Usually. Too bad that's a prime dinner time. Or dinner and clean up. Today we had dinner a little earlier than usual and I got to sit outside and admire some paper mache masks in Step 2.

I think this is Alan's: And I think this is Holly's:

And I know this is Julia's:

It's funny how they suddenly looked all the same on the camera. After a few days of drying maybe they'll be ready to paint next week.

The recipe we used is basically equal parts flour and water with a little salt in it. I think officially it's 2 cups flour, 2 cups water, and a tablespoon of salt. Today I didn't measure very carefully. It seems to be working well. Last year (or 2 years ago) when Holly and Alan and I made a bowl we used equal parts of Elmer's glue and water. That bowl kept very well, sitting on top of the refrigerator, collecting random stuff from the counter when I got tired of looking at a mess. I'm not sure this recipe would have made a bowl that lasted so well. I think we'll probably spray some kind of sealant on them when they're done. Of course while this seems to be a drawn out project, the kids' interest in it seems to last just long enough to finish each step and they're happy enough to let the masks sit in between.