This project is really fun and so great to do at any party, with really any age, two and up. Blow up any size balloon, any shape, tie them so they stay blown up. Gather the party kids around, and they can either choose their own balloon or all work together on a couple big balloons, although, if you have them work on their own balloon, they can take their creation home as their cool party favor.

It is up to you. Have lots of 1" and 2" strips of newpaper in piles. Do this before the party begins. Not fun to do while the kids are waiting and they won't think it is very fun if they have to keep cutting their own strips all the time. A good recipe for the glue for the paper mache' is:

Take 1 cup cornstarch and put in a big bowl. Add 1/2 cup water and mix it all together...this will be a bit powdery when mixed Add 1/2 cup Elmers Glue and mix all the way until there aren't any lumps anymore.

Each child can take one paper strip at a time, and place on the balloon and using their hands, dip into the glue mix, and spread on each strip as they go along. Cover the whole balloon and use the glue well. Not so sparingly. When it dries, it makes a great coating to paint on.

Now...once each balloon is totally covered with the paper strips and glue, you must let them dry completely. This will take about an hour.

Now...when dry, put out the paints, paintbrushes and let them go to town painting their creations! Stick a pin in the top of the balloon and pop it Don't forget all the snack bowls, drinks and party music!