How to Make a Bull Out of a Plastic Barrel

A bull craft made from a plastic barrel can be a whimsical centerpiece for a Chicago Bulls party or a rodeo-themed barbecue. Using a small plastic barrel as a base you can add on a homemade, paper mache bull's head with horns and four legs to complete a three-dimensional prop that is sure to be a conversation piece among your friends. You can even use some materials you have on hand, like old newspaper pages, making this bull project environmentally friendly to boot.

Things You'll Need

  • Balloon
  • Toilet paper roll
  • Scissors
  • Scotch tape
  • Water
  • Glue
  • Flour
  • Bowl
  • Newspaper
  • Plastic barrel
  • Hot glue gun
  • Four paper towel rolls
  • Paint
  • Paint brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix a paper mache solution in a bowl, combining equal part water, glue and flour. Tear strips of newspaper and set beside the glue mixture.

    • 2

      Blow up a balloon and use it to make the base of the bull's head. Cut an empty toilet paper roll in half and attach it to the balloon using tape to mimic the bull's nose.

    • 3

      Cover the balloon and toilet paper roll construction with newspaper strips coated in the glue mixture. Continue until the entire bull's head is covered, then use coated newspaper strips to sculpt up rounded horns on the top of the bull's head. Let dry for one day, then apply a second coat of dampened newspaper strips and let dry again.

    • 4

      Attach the bull's head to one end of a plastic barrel using a hot glue gun. Attach four empty paper towel rolls to the underside of the barrel to mimic the bull's four legs.

    • 5

      Paint the entire construction a reddish brown color to mimic the bull's coat. Let dry, then paint on eyes and a mouth the the face of the bull created by the paper mache balloon.