3 Ideas on How to Make an Igloo: Use Paper Mache, Marshmallows or Sugar Cubes

Oh Boy! A New Assignment

School Project: Igloo

Once again, you have a homework project. This time, instead of a volcano or something familiar, it’s to make an igloo. Here are some ideas on making an igloo - no ice required!

Papier Mache

First is the sturdiest, simplest way; that old fall back paperr-mache.

For this project you will need:

• Two balloons, one blown up to roughly the size you want your igloo.
• A cardboard tube; an empty toilet paper roll would work beautifully.
• Torn up paper (I like to use up the old newspapers I’ve got laying around.)
• White paint.
• Black paint.
• Paste mix, either use some white glue and water (two parts water to one part glue), or mix some up by adding one part flour to two parts water. Remember you want your mixture to be sticky.
• Masking tape.

Directions

Cut your tube to about the size you want the entrance of your igloo and tape it to your balloon.

Now start to cover this in paper mache, dipping your strips in the mix, wiping off the excess and covering your balloon and tube. Be careful not to leave too many lumps or wrinkles over your igloo, you want it as smooth as possible.

Once you’ve used maybe two or three layers, let it sit and dry over night.

In the morning, check and see if you like how thick it is. If not, add another two layers. If you do, go ahead and cover it in white paint.

Now take your black paint and very, very carefully, paint a brick pattern.

Marshmallows

Second, you could use marshmallows. This one is a lot trickier.

You will need:

• A bag of mini marshmallows, preferably a bit stale.
• A bottle of glue.
• Some q-tips.
• Toothpicks.

Directions

On a piece of paper, trace out the outline for the base of your igloo. Now, take your marshmallows and put a dab of glue on the bottom of each and lay it on the outline. Continue making rows until you have about the height of the igloo you want.

It is a bit tough to get the top of the igloo to close, and you might need to use bigger marshmallows, or tear them up, or lay them a different way. Be patient and use toothpicks to hold them together if you need to.

Sugar Cubes

This is the most difficult, but has terrific results.

You will need:

• A box of sugar cubes.
• Some glue.
• Some more q-tips.

Directions

Again, trace out the shape of your igloo on a piece of paper, and use the q-tip to dab some glue on the sugar cube and lay it on your outline. Even better for this project is to use a sheet of cardboard for your base. This will provide a better base, because if you drop this igloo, it will break, and you most likely WILL NOT be able to put it back together. Also, if you use cardboard, you can make it look like an Arctic scene for extra points.

Keep layering on the cubes until you have about the size you want.

Keep in mind you have to be VERY careful, because sugar cubes will melt when they are wet.

Now you have to close the igloo, and you will do this in the method mentioned with the marshmallows, they them a different way. You could file them to get a more rounded look, but be very careful they don’t break.

Did you try any of these projects? How did they work for you? Or do you have your own ideas? Post it in the comments.