![DIY paper mache bowl on top of books](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/5eb84bb2ea064cdcbd9eefb4c8d66be8.jpg)
![series diy in a day](https://img.hunkercdn.com/400/media-storage/hunker_data/programmable/69e00537-ccda-41fa-8be4-d391e7f99f7b-DIYinaDayBadge.png)
DIY in a Day brings you step-by-step instructions for easy projects that will spruce up your space — within 24 hours (or less!).
Paper mache bowls have become a hot commodity in home decor. It's easy to see why — they bring great texture and visual interest to your space. Plus, they have a wonderful artisanal quality since every piece is uniquely handcrafted. While you could easily buy one, you can just as easily make one yourself. It's a very easy (and fun!) DIY that even kids can help with. The best part about making your own bowl is that you can tailor the size and color of it to fit your home perfectly.
Video of the Day
Things You'll Need
Bowl (to use as a mold)
Step 1
Add paper mache pulp to a large mixing bowl, and then add water a little bit at a time. Mix them together, continuing to add water as needed, until you get a dough-like consistency.
![Mixing paper mache pulp with water in a bowl](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/2e3240c1d9a948c187fed2a4b89ffede.jpg)
Step 2
Cover the bowl you're using as a mold with plastic wrap. This will make it easier to remove the paper mache from the mold once it's dry.
![Covering large bowl with plastic wrap](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/00e0956fc14b497fb98f3c175fd3b443.jpg)
Step 3
Press the paper mache dough around the entire mold, creating a layer that's about 1/2-inch thick. Smooth it out as you go, and seal any cracks or holes.
![Pressing paper mache dough around the bowl](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/3f4e3f6244434f96b25ddca677328210.jpg)
Step 4
Place a large handful of paper mache in the center bottom of the bowl and shape it to create a footed base. Make sure you smooth the edges into the bowl to create a seamless look.
![Pressing paper mache onto bottom of bowl to create footed base](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/126c4d57caeb427fbd760ffe2bc722e0.jpg)
Step 5
Press more paper mache around the top rim of the bowl, creating a banded edge that's about an inch wide and 1/2-inch thick. Again, smooth the edges into the rest of the bowl.
![Shaping a 1-inch band around rim of paper mache bowl](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/0ff8af57bdce4daf947bbbdcdc2d115c.jpg)
Step 6
Let the bowl dry for a day or two. It will lighten in both color and weight as it dries.
Tip
If your bowl isn't drying as fast as you'd like, you can use a hair dryer to speed up the process.
![Paper mache bowl drying on parchment-lined baking tray](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/4d083e5bb6e54915adb18469a865caec.jpg)
Step 7
Once the bowl is completely dry, gently wiggle and pull it to release it from the mold.
![Pulling paper mache bowl off of mold](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/948c88040e8243cdbd9cd9e7d5e7d910.jpg)
Step 8
You could leave the bowl as-is, or paint it any color you like. We painted it with a creamy hue for a more aged look.
![Painting paper mache bowl](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/01e383fdb7b74c4cb24b3ee6b42857d3.jpg)
Your bowl is ready to use (just not for food!). We love to use it as a catch-all for keys, jewelry, and other trinkets.
![DIY paper mache bowl on top of books styled on a table](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/ebf0dd884e8448bc84355fd5732b69aa.jpg)
![DIY paper mache bowl on top of books styled on a table](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/8/26/1937c9544af040ddb6d980f0b612724a.jpg)