Paper Mache is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make any number of Halloween decorations.
Follow these simple instructions to make your Paper Mache spiders and once you understand the techniques, you can let your imagination run free to make other Halloween figures to use as part of your overall decoration theme.
Be sure to make them in sufficient time to allow them to dry out ready for painting and decoration.
This is a fun activity and makes a good group learning experience but supervision is required.
If you make these a while before, they make great party favours.
Estimated time needed for painting and decoration 45-60 minutes including clean-up and allowing some time for paint drying between coats.
You will need:

• 2 balloons per spider of differing sizes
• Newspaper
• Paper Mache paste
• Pin
• Masking tape
• Art card
• Black and red paint and paintbrushes
• Wiggle eyes and glue

How to make your spiders:

1. Cover your working area well as this is a messy process
2. Inflate the two balloons to slightly different sizes - the larger for the front, the smaller for the rear
3. Cut out 8 legs from the art card and gently bend the 'foot' into shape
4. Attach the two balloons together using the masking tape but remembering to make this tight at the joint
5. Attach the legs to the spider's body
6. Prepare your newspaper by tearing into small strips about 1" wide by 4-6" long..
   ..
   this does not need to be precise
7. Prepare your Paper Mache Paste
8. Dip the newspaper into the prepared paste and spread them onto the balloons allowing a generous overlap for each piece.
   Completely cover the balloons and the legs and allow this layer to dry completely.
   Tip: in a hurry?Place in a warm environment to speed the drying process
9. Add two more complete layers to your balloons making sure to mould the paper mache to form a spider shape
10. Once the spider is completely dry it can be painted and decorated as required
11. Glue on wiggle eyes to complete

Thought! If you are using this project during the party it would be a good idea to make the spiders before hand and to give them a first coat of paint in advance of time so that your guests only have to complete and decorate them during the party.
When they have completed their spider, make sure they write their name on the underside.
Thought 2! -Paper Mache PasteThere are lots of different recipes but this is the simplest.
Prepare a simple mixture of flour and water in a ratio of about 2 parts water to one of flour.
Mix vigorously - see exercise as well as playing with the children - to smooth out all of the lumps.
Add salt to prevent mould on the finished piece.