As part of a children’s ministry production crew, I’ve been involved in lots of creative projects. One that really seemed to please the crowd was this humongous prop. Here’s how to make a six foot paper mache volcano.
You will need to take a trip to a home improvement store for the supplies. I didn’t include a paper mache recipe as there are tons out there. I prefer the glue recipe but you can use which ever one you prefer.
One roll of chicken wire
Three 1 foot sections of 3/4 inch PVC pipe
Three 4 foot sections of 3/4 inch PVC pipe
Six 3/4 inch PVC pipe elbows or connectors
Wire cutters
One small roll of spooled wire (pick a gauge you can cut with cutters)
Newspaper cut into strips (lots)
Paper mache mix
Spray paint in varying colors
Before starting this project think about your work area. You’ll need to be able to move the volcano when it comes to painting it. And you’ll need to be able to move it when you are finished. Work in an area that has double doors or you could be stuck with a giant volcano. Also, lay down a tarp underneath your volcano when you begin using the paper mache. It will prevent glue and gunk getting stuck on your floors.
First piece together your PVC pipe pieces. Use the connectors to connect them to make a triangle. Next cut three 7 foot sections from the chicken wire. Work with the first piece and attach it to one of the PVC pipes with your spool wire. Twist the wire around the pipe. Then add another piece to the next pipe doing the same. Then connect the two pieces of chicken wire with some more of the spool wire. Then finish with the last piece of chicken wire.
Piece together a smaller triangle using the shorter PVC pipes. Attach the small triangle to the top of the volcano attaching the wire to the pipe with the wire from the spool. At the top you can create a small well with a piece of chicken wire if you want to add a fog effect. You can either add a small fog machine or drop in a small bucket of dry ice when your done building your six foot paper mache volcano.
Next add the paper mache strips to the sides of the volcano. Don’t forget to use a tarp to catch the superfluous drippings.
After your glue dries and the paper is hard you can spray paint your six foot tall volcano. Use a couple of different colors of brown and tan. This will give your volcano a more realistic look.
For a fun effect, add some greenery or shrubs to the base of the volcano. This will give it a more realistic look too.
