Russian Nesting Dolls

I was really excited about this invention.  You can start with a balloon but don't blow it up too much.  You will want to work with it to create the doll shape. The next thing you will do is cover it in in newspaper.  You are making a paper mache object. Let dry, paint the doll, and then pencil in the detail. Next paint.  These are adorable. I was pleasantly surprised with a group of teacher's at a UCSD class I taught in the variety of and differences in characteristics.  Most of the teachers didn't have a lot of experience in crafting but the projects really turned out nice. Do make sure your paper mache dries completely. Always make a few extra in case there is an unsuccesful one. Remind participants to cover the entire balloon in paper dipped in flour paste.  I always add some school glue to the mix. Don't apply extremely wet paper to the balloons.  Send my some jpgs if you do this project ;-) I saw lot of Russian Nesting Dolls in the tour shops in Prague. It's amazing that every personality you can think of is made into a nestling doll it seems.