Paper Mache Tropical Island - Part 2

This is part two of my little step by step guide into how I created this paper mache island, with the help of my two daughters. Click here to go to part one.

The island at the end of part one.

At the end of part one the paper mache had finally dried so part two is all about adding paint and details to bring the island to life.

For the paint we used acrylics and a damp sponge. You could also use ready mixed paints, combined with a little bit of PVA glue. Ideally you need to cover your surfaces as this can get a little messy. I found that keeping the sponge damp (not dripping though) helped the paint get into all the creases and bumps of the paper mache. Once the paint was dry I also varnished the island. For this I used Ronseal clear interior varnish, purely because I use that regularly on the crafts that I sell, so I happened to have some to hand. You could also use a coat of PVA or Mod Podge.

Making the leaves and trees was a bit of a labour of love but very much worth is as they add to the tropical feel that we wanted for our island. We used some thin garden wire, cut into a variety of sizes, along with some green masking tape, which I purchased for a low price online. We cut a strip of the masking tape, placed the wire about halfway along (leaving some of the wire exposed at the bottom as this will be important in a moment) and then folded the strip of masking tape in half, to stick to itself.

We then trimmed the folded tape to make the leaf shape that we wanted. Having the wire in the middle meant we could also bend the leaves. Once we had made a few leaves we collected 3-4 in a bunch and taped the exposed "stems" together. We then chose where we wanted the bunch to be on the island, carefully poked a small hole through the paper mache and popped the stems into the hole. I added a blob of glue using a glue gun to hold the bunch in place, although you could also use a dollop of PVA glue. I also added some sequin flowers using the glue gun, to add to the tropical or magical feel.

For the tree trunks we rolled a bit of brown card into a tube and covered it in brown paper tape. The leaves were made using the same steps as the other leaves and attached to the top using a blob of glue.

Now to the overhang. The girls really wanted somewhere else on the island that was a bit mysterious so the plan was to add a waterfall with a small hidden area behind it. The waterfall was made using a mixture of sparkly blue wool and some pretty sequin string. We added it to the front of the overhang using glue and then positioned some more leaves to disguise where the wool was attached. Behind the waterfall there is just enough space for a play figure to hide - but watch out for the red crab in the rock pool waiting to pinch!

Last but not least we added some tempting gems in the cave and behind the waterfall. These were stuck on with glue but you could also use self adhesive gems.

So, that's how we made our island. It's been the setting for many a game since - from dragons lairs, to a mermaid paradise, to holiday destinations and the perfect place for pirates to hide their treasure.

Do let me know if you decide to make one too. I wonder what we'll make next time.