How to Make Trash Bag Balloon Sculptures

Inflate the number of balloons you will need for the animal you want to create. An inflated balloon will generally take up about 1 foot of length and 7 inches of height. Divide that number into the overall dimensions of the project. A balloon whale, for example, at 6 feet by 4 feet in diameter, may require sixty or more fully inflated balloons.

Blow enough balloons to fill four black trash bags, if making a whale. Even out the bulging balloons in the trash bags by varying the size of some of the balloons around the inside diameter of the trash bags. A bunch of 4 inch in diameter balloons, stuck in between the larger ones in a bag, round out the shape of a trash bag to resemble the smooth body of an animal.

Tie off the full trash bags of balloons. Depending on the size of the project, if making a whale for example, several bags will be tied off. Line the tied-off bags in a row so that they are as close as possible, and run a roll of duct tape around the space between the bags of balloons. Use enough duct tape so that if you lift all the segments together, they won't break apart.

Apply paper mache. Using a bucket of paper mache, glue soaked strips of newspaper the size of newspaper pages, onto the trash bags full of balloons that have been tied together. Do this around the entire diameter and length of the bags. Use enough paper mache for a 1-inch-thick covering. This will further strengthen the sculpture. Allow the paper mache to dry.

Paint the sculpture. Use a paint that resembles the color of the animal. Research the animal you have chosen and make the sculpture more realistic by adding the animal's markings to it. Applying bright colors or glitter makes fantastical animals.