Yarn-Mâché Decorative Containers

Ever wondered what to do with all those yarn scraps that accumulate from various projects – too short to do anything with, but too long to throw away? Here is a creative solution: yarn-mâché.

An adult will have to make the paste, but the rest of the activity is a great sensory experience for kids. We used a bowl for a mould in order to create a decorative basket, but as with papier mâché, you can use a variety of objects as moulds, including balloons. The results will be colourful and unique!

To prepare, make a paste as you would for papier mâché:

Cornflour Paste

• 4 tablespoons cornflour
• 60 ml cold water
• 240 ml hot water

Mix cornflour with cold water to make a smooth paste. Add hot water, stirring constantly, cook until it thickens, and remove from heat. Cool before using.

1. Cover the outside of a bowl (or other mould) with cling film.

2. Dip yarn scraps into paste mixture.

3. Layer the saturated yarn pieces over the bowl until it is completely covered.

4. Place in a safe place to dry. After several days when the yarn is completely hardened, gently remove from bowl.

5. Use as a decorative container, gift, or for whatever creative purpose you wish!