Paper Mache Globe: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

Learn how to make a paper mache globe! One of the best things that you can get out of crafting with your children is if it can also become an opportunity for them to learn something new. This project will do just that: you can easily make a paper mache globe and teach your kids about the continents and oceans of our world as they paint or stick them on.

How to Make a Paper Mache Globe (Quick Guide)

This project is completed in two main stages: first creating the round paper mache base, then turning it into a globe with continents and oceans.

1. Prepare the Balloon: Inflate a round balloon to the size you want and support it on a jar
2. Apply the Paper: Dip newspaper strips into the paper mache paste and smooth them over the balloon
3. Build Up the Layers: Add additional layers until the globe feels sturdy, allowing the paper mache to dry as needed
4. Let the Globe Dry: Wait until the paper mache has completely hardened before removing the balloon, if desired
5. Create the Oceans: Paint the dried paper mache base blue
6. Add the Continents: Paint them by hand or attach printed continent shapes
7. Finish the Globe: Add any final details and allow everything to dry

What Is a Paper Mache Globe?

A paper mache globe is a three-dimensional model of Earth made by layering paper over a round mold, usually a balloon. Once the paper has hardened, the surface can be decorated to represent the oceans and continents. Unlike a flat world map, the rounded shape provides a simple way to see how the continents are positioned around the Earth.

How to Make a Paper Mache Globe Tutorial

The Supplies

• Round Balloon: Choose one that inflates into a fairly spherical shape to create the globe base
• Newspaper or Craft Paper: Tear or cut plenty of strips for covering the balloon and building the shell
• Paper Mache Paste: Prepare your paste using our simple paper mache recipe
• Bowl, Spoon, and Whisk: Use these for mixing the paste until smooth
• Jar: Rest the balloon on top while applying and drying the paper mache
• Acrylic Paints: Use blue for the oceans and green and brown for the land
• Paintbrushes: Keep larger brushes for broad areas and smaller ones for adding details
• Pencil: Use this to lightly sketch the continents before painting
• Printed Continents (Optional): Use these instead of drawing the continent shapes by hand
• Decoupage Glue (Optional): Use this to attach and seal printed continent shapes

SAFETY: If children are making the globe, check that the glue, paints, and other craft products you use are suitable for their age and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Before starting, prepare your paste and then tear or cut your paper into strips and inflate the balloon to the size you want for your finished globe. Once everything is ready, follow the steps below to create and decorate your globe.

1. Cover the Balloon

As you cover the balloon with the newspaper, keep handy a paper towel or wet cloth to keep your hands from getting too messy and leaving excess on the globe surface.

1. Place the inflated balloon on top of a jar with the tied end facing down.
2. Dip one paper strip at a time into the paper mache paste, remove the excess, and smooth it onto the balloon. Continue adding strips until the surface is covered.
3. Once the first layer has dried, add the second layer of paper making sure it is as flat as possible, and let dry again. You may need to do a couple of more layers before your base structure has the sturdiness you are looking for. Ensure there is no excess glue.
4. Leave the paper mache to dry completely.
5. Once completely dry, you may pop the balloon with a pin or skewer.

TIP: Overlap the strips and change their direction between layers to create a more even shell without concentrating too much paper in one area.

2. Decorate Your Paper Mache Globe

Now that we have the structure done, we can move on to decorating and for that, we have a few options, ranging from minimal paper mache globes to globes that you can use for décor as well. At the end of the day, this is a creative project and you can decorate your globe however you want to but having some inspiration is always a good idea.

You can:

• Paint the Paper Mache Globe

The simplest way to decorate a paper mache globe is to paint it with some acrylic paints. This décor method works well if you’re crafting with smaller children and you don’t have much time. It also allows for a greater creative room with what tools and colors you can use.

1. Get your dry base structure and start by painting it blue all over. You may need a few coats of blue paint to get the right opacity.
2. Once the blue layer has dried, start sketching out the outline of the green continents with a pencil. Then you can fill them in with the green acrylic paint and let that dry.
3. Add some details around the continents with the brown paint before letting the globe completely dry.
4. Lastly, add a clear topcoat to seal all your hard work.
5. Once dry, your globe is ready to be used!

TIP: If you don’t want to go the traditional decor route, you can always use any colors you want and let your kids paint as they please. A good idea is to do hand painting to create a paper mache globe that will be a sweet keepsake for you and your family.

• Add Printed Continents

You can decorate your paper mache globe with printed continents and acrylic paints. You can find so many of these printables online ranging from simple bold shapes to more detailed shapes. This is an easy way to ensure your globe is accurate and saves you the time you may have spent drawing the continents by hand.

1. Cover the globe with blue paint and let it dry completely.
2. Print and cut out continent shapes in a size suitable for your globe.
3. Arrange the shapes around the globe before attaching them.
4. Apply decoupage glue and carefully smooth each shape onto the curved surface.
5. Once dry, add a thin layer of decoupage glue over the paper shapes if desired.

TIP: Position all the continent shapes before gluing any of them down so you can adjust their spacing and placement before they become permanent.

Tips for Customizing Your Paper Mache Globe

Once you’ve made the basic globe, there are several ways to adapt it depending on how detailed or educational you want the finished project to be. You can:

• Use a Reference Globe: Keep one nearby when drawing or positioning the continents to get a better idea of their relative locations.
• Add Labels: Mark the continents and oceans once the paint or decorations have dried.
• Include the Equator: Draw a line around the center of the globe to introduce another important geographical feature.
• Adjust the Level of Detail: Younger children can concentrate on the continents and oceans, while older children can add countries, major cities, or geographical features.
• Choose a Theme: Add countries, landmarks, animals, climates, or other features to turn the globe into a more focused geography project.

Common Paper Mache Globe Problems

A few issues may only become noticeable once the shell begins to dry or you start adding the continents. Here’s what may be causing them:

• The globe loses its round shape. An uneven balloon or unevenly distributed paper layers can affect the finished shape. Rotate the balloon as you work so you can check the shell from all sides.
• The surface is very bumpy. Wrinkled paper, excess paste, and thick overlaps can leave raised areas. Smooth each strip as you apply it and remove excess paste before placing it on the balloon.
• The paint looks patchy. Paper mache can absorb paint unevenly. Let the first coat dry before deciding whether another coat is needed.
• The printed continents wrinkle. Flat paper has to conform to a curved surface, which can cause creases. Make small adjustments to the paper where necessary and smooth each shape gradually from the center outward.

Paper Mache Globe FAQs

Paper Mache Globe – In Conclusion

A handmade paper mache globe is a great way to see how a few basic craft materials can become a recognizable model of the Earth. Whether you paint the continents by hand or use printed shapes, the finished globe gives you a project you can display, label, and continue adding to over time. Keep it simple with the continents and oceans, or add more geographical features as your knowledge grows.

More Paper Mache Project Tutorials:

• Paper Mache Balloon
• Paper Mache Mask
• Paper Mache Bowl
• Paper Mache Pinata
• Paper Mache Volcano
• Paper Mache Pumpkin