Paint totem pole decorations in bright colors.
Traditional Hawaiian tiki totem poles are carved from wood in the same manner as those of the Northwest Native Americans. Featuring the symbolic imagery of the tiki gods from Polynesia, they are hand carved wooden poles that are painted in bright, vivid colors. Totem decorations are ideal for a Hawaiian theme party and will help to set the scene. Make small totem poles as decorations for the table or tiki bar.
Instructions
1. Place some sand or pebbles inside the cardboard tube and replace the lid. This will add weight to keep the finished pole standing upright.
2. Look at images of Hawaiian totem poles online for inspiration to help you plan your design. Draw animal and face shapes onto the cardboard tube with pencil or marker.
3. Scrunch or roll newspaper into small balls and long sausage shapes. Position these along the lines you have drawn on the cardboard roll to make the facial features such as eye, mouth and nose shapes. Secure them in position with masking tape.
4. Cover the completed design with two layers of papier mache. Tear tissue paper into 1-inch pieces and use diluted white craft glue to stick it in place. Use one part water to two parts glue. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.
5. Paint the totem pole with acrylic craft paint, highlighting the facial features.
6. Finish with a coat of clear varnish.
Tags: totem poles, cardboard tube, facial features, Paint totem, Paint totem pole, totem pole