Make Yard Sculptures the Papier-Mache Way

What You'll Need

• Flexbond Mortar Mix ($33)
• Workshop Paper Towels ($10)
• Neoprene Gloves ($5)
• Bucket
• Water
• Plastic Bags
• Packing Peanuts

Optional

• Mixing Paddle ($13) and Drill
• Paint
• Paintbrush

Approximate Duration

• 60 minutes Construction
• 24-48 hours Drying
• 30 minutes Finishing

Let's Make an Eyeball

Step 1: Prep the Materials

This will be a messy project, so pick a location that can be easily cleaned (or can remain dirty). You may want a larger piece of sheet plastic to protect your work surface.

Fill a plastic bag with packing peanuts until you reach your desired volume. Push out any extra air and twist the opening of the bag closed. You want to get the shape right at this stage, so make sure the contents aren't loose or lumpy. Keep twisting the ends of the bag until curls into a ball and stays in place.

Step 2: Mix the Mortar

Pour some of the Flexbond mortar mix into a clean bucket. Don't breathe in the dust. Follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines. You'll want more or less the same volume as your packing peanuts. Slowing pour water into the bucket and stir. You want a smooth mixture with the consistency of a thick tomato soup.

Step 3: Tear It Up

Take your paper towels and tear them into strips. Three to four strips per sheet will do.

Step 4: Papier Mache Away

Coat each strip of paper towel in the mortar mixture and apply to the pack of packing peanuts. Each strip should criss-cross with the previous to create a stronger structure. Make sure you get enough coverage on the bottom portion of the form to create a base, and smooth out the surfaces with extra mixture straight from the bucket.

Stack a few sheets of paper towel together and cut a circle to create the iris. Apply the same method as for the strips, covering each circle with the mixture, then stack them on the main form. They will likely slide down a bit, so place them higher than you want them to be. Once in place, you can poke a dent in the center to create a pupil.

For a final touch, form a puddle of goo around the bottom of your eyeball.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Drying times will depend on the temperature and humidity of your location as well as the thickness of the layers you applied. Expect a minimum of 24 to 48 hours.

Step 6: Empty and Clean

Once dry, pull your sculpture off of your work surface. Inspect the edges and smooth off any extra flakes of mortar with your hands.

Turn your eyeball upside down and untwist the plastic bag. Pull out a few of the packing peanuts and loosen up the rest. (If you didn't leave an opening for this, don't worry. They're just packing peanuts.)

Optional: Now you're ready to paint. Water down some black or gray paint and brush it onto your eyeball. Dab the painted surface with a paper towel to create a more natural texture, or use a dry brush method to add shading.

You're Done!

Put that baby in your yard, you weirdo! Send us a picture, too! Post it to Instagram and tag @themaddollar.