Giant Volcano?

Question

I need to make a giant volcano, about a 4'-5' tall one, and I don't know how to go about making it. I'd also like to make it without using too much money because I am on a budget. It also can't be solid and it can't erupt. If you're wondering why it can't be solid and can't erupt, the reason is I am going to put a bubble machine inside rather than a mess waiting to happen. My idea is to take 8 yard stakes or 8 Dowels and make a teepee shaped cone with a circular object at the top that can be removed when the project is finished so there is a hole. After the teepee is created, I think I could probably wrap it, fairly tight, with fabric netting and then paper mache it with like 50 coats. When I was finished I would take the circular object out of the top and I'd be done. Do you think my idea would work? Do you have a less costly idea? Do you have a better more efficient idea? Suggestions? Anything that would help is really appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Well, papier machée seems like the only economic solution. It'd be pretty d**n fun too.

Get some chicken wire (it's cheap and you might be able to find some for free on a farm, I have rolls and rolls of it I'd be glad to give away for free) and bend it into the shape of a big volcano. It's just thin little wire so that's very easy to do. Then just get an assload of newspaper, and papier machée the entire thing. Finish it off by painting it.

Since you're making it so big, and want to put a bubble machine inside, you could even cut a door in the chicken wire after you've made the general shape, so that you can crawl inside it to work on the stuff inside.

If you don't know how to papier machée, it's very easy, it's something little kids can do so just look it up on Google. It's messy and fun. Just the kind of thing you want to do with a boyfriend around. :)