How to Make a Model Dinosaur in an Egg

Blow up a balloon into the shape and size of your desired dinosaur egg model. Dinosaur eggs came in a variety of sizes, ranging from about 1 inch in diameter to more than 16 inches. Research the species of dinosaur and its eggs that you're trying to recreate and blow up the balloon to that size. Tie the balloon in a knot.

Tear paper into strips that you will cover the balloon with. Use recycled computer paper, paper bags or newspaper. Ensure you have enough strips to make one layer with a plain white or brown paper to create a clean top layer of the model.

Mix two parts white glue with one part water in a flat bowl to create the paper mache mix.

Dip a strip of paper into the paper mache glue mix, covering the entire piece with the adhesive. Hold the strip above the bowl and run it between two fingers to squeegee off any excess glue.

Place the wet strip on the balloon, using your finger to flatten it against the surface. Repeat the process of dipping strips in glue and placing them on the surface until the entire balloon is covered with two layers of paper. Make one more layer over the balloon using the plain white or brown paper strips. Do not place more than four layers of paper on the balloon.

Allow the paper mache to dry completely. This might happen overnight or take a few days, depending on its size and how much glue was used. Pop the balloon with a pin and remove it from the paper mache shell.

Cut the paper mache egg in half with a pair of sharp scissors or a razor.

Paint the dinosaur egg model whatever color you want the egg to be, such as brown, cream or light blue-colored. Create speckles on the egg by spattering paint across the surface. Use a fine paintbrush to paint detailed cracks in the egg, showcasing that it might hatch soon.

Create a dinosaur model to place in the egg. Use craft supplies and recycled materials to make any one of the extinct creatures you choose. For example, cut out one row of a cardboard egg crate to use as the scaled back and tail of a stegosaurus. Glue a cardboard paper towel roll underneath for the body and head. Cut a toilet paper roll in pieces and glue it to the bottom for the legs or use pipe cleaners to support the body. Use markers or paints to add details and color on the dinosaur. For smaller dinosaurs, and to fit them in smaller paper mache eggs, create tiny dinosaurs by twisting pipe cleaners into the desired shape or by adding pipe cleaners to a toilet paper tube segment to make the dinosaur's body and limbs.

Place the dinosaur in the egg. Leave the egg open as if the dinosaur has just hatched. Or close the egg around the dinosaur and paper mache it shut again. Paint over the new strips attached to the surface. When it's dry, crack open the egg to reveal the dinosaur inside.