Papier Mache Witch’s Cauldron

Every witch needs her own cauldron. Here’s how to make your own paper mache little witch’s cauldron for Halloween.

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Materials

  • Newspaper
  • Paste (we used white PVA glue and water) 
  • Balloon
  • Raffia
  • Black paint and brush
  • Skewer



We plaited black raffia for the handle. It makes a sturdy handle which keeps a good shape. However you could also plait strips of black plastic rubbish bag, staple on a cardboard handle or just use string.

We used diluted white PVA glue (mix of half glue, half water) for the paste. Check out Ultimate Paper Mache website for a flour and water paste recipe. You could also use wallpaper paste.

How to Make Your Own Witch’s Cauldron

  • Blow up a balloon. This will make a cauldron the same size and shape as the balloon.
  • Tear up newspaper into small pieces.

  • Dip the newspaper pieces into the paste and cover the bottom half of the balloon to make a deep bowl shape.
  • Keep adding more layers (at least three layers).

  • Allow to dry for a few hours then pop the balloon to leave a deep paper bowl.
  • Add some more newspaper and paste layers over the rim of the cauldron to give a neat edge which is also sturdy.
  • Add any more layers to areas of the cauldron that feel thin.
  • Allow to dry then cover inside and out with black acrylic paint.

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  • When dry, carefully poke a hole in each side of the cauldron (about an inch down from the top edge) using a skewer.

  • Cut six strands of black raffia about 50cm long each. Make three sets of double strands and then plait into a single rope.
  • Twist the ends of the rope well and push into the two holes in the cauldron from the outside inwards to make a handle. Tie a knot at each end inside the cauldron.

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  • Varnish your cauldron if you want it to have a shiny finish.

Your paper mache cauldron is now ready to use. Happy spell making or trick-or-treating!



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