How to Make a Papier Mâché Beehive

Last Updated: October 19, 2021

A papier mâché beehive can be used for a craft project or a decorative object that holds a jar or container of honey. Since the balloon shape lends itself well to the traditional beehive style, it's not too hard to recreate.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Making the hive base

1
Find a balloon. A normal size will do and blow it up.
2
Get some old newspapers. Tear them up into small straight sections; a shredder makes it easier.

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3
Mix some glue and water to make a sticky watery liquid . Or, make papier mâché paste.
4
Put a strand of newspaper on the balloon, then cover it with the glue mixture. Repeat until you have covered the entire balloon with newspaper.
5
Allow it to dry. Once the newspaper covered balloon is dry, poke a needle into the balloon. If it pops, remove it by cutting a small hole near the place you tied the balloon.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Coloring cutting and painting

1
Cut a small hole at the center of the papier mâché hive. Cut another one, this time a big hole, at the top, large enough to hold a container of honey.
2
Prepare for painting.
- Get a huge blob of yellow paint, a big blob of darker yellow or orange paint and a small dollop of black paint.
- Get a big tipped paintbrush (for the yellow) a medium tipped (for the orange) paintbrush and a fine one (for the black).
3
Start painting the hive. Paint the whole thing yellow. Then paint on black stripes around the sides of the holes and paint inside the hive the orange. Allow to dry completely.
4
Seal. Use a paper varnish or Mod Podge to completely seal the paper beehive.
5
Place the container of honey in the hive. It is now ready for display or use.
6
Finished.