Make A Paper Mache Piggy Bank With A Coin Slot
A handmade piggy bank turns saving loose change into a creative family activity. With newspaper, cardboard, flour paste and paint, you can make a cheerful coin holder shaped like a pig, wombat, koala or any character your maker can imagine. The project is inexpensive, adaptable and suitable for a rainy afternoon, school-holiday activity or weekend craft session.
The finished bank can collect Australian $1 and $2 coins, five-cent pieces and even special coins saved for a future treat. Because paper mache needs drying time between stages, it works best as a relaxed project rather than a rushed one. Set up outdoors, on a verandah or over a washable table, and let every layer dry properly before adding the next.
| Method | Best For | Drying Time | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balloon and newspaper | Round piggy banks | 1–3 days | Light and smooth |
| Cardboard shape | Animals and characters | 1–2 days | More sculptural |
| Paper cup base | Small beginner projects | 12–24 hours | Quick and simple |
| Recycled container | Strong everyday use | 1–2 days | Firm and practical |
Gather Materials For A Strong Bank
You will need a balloon or small recycled container, several sheets of newspaper, thin cardboard, masking tape, scissors, a mixing bowl, flour, water and a paintbrush. Add acrylic paint, craft glue, a black marker, felt, pipe cleaners or cardboard for the ears, snout and tail. A shallow tray or old baking dish helps contain drips.
For the savings compartment, keep a ruler and craft knife nearby. Adults should cut the coin slot, since the opening needs to be neat and wide enough for Australian coins. A slot around 4–5 centimetres long is practical for $2 coins, while a shorter opening can suit a smaller bank.
Use ordinary plain flour for the paste and tear newspaper by hand into strips rather than cutting it. Torn edges blend together more smoothly. If you are collecting materials from a Bunnings run, an op shop or the recycling box, choose clean cardboard and avoid glossy magazine pages, which can resist glue and paint.
Build The Paper Mache Form
Mix one part flour with two parts water until the paste resembles thin yoghurt. Whisk out lumps, then let it sit for five minutes. For a balloon version, inflate the balloon to the size you want and place it in a bowl so it stays steady. Dip one newspaper strip into the paste, wipe off the excess between your fingers and lay it across the balloon.
Cover the balloon with three or four layers, changing direction as you work. Leave the knot uncovered so the balloon can be removed later. Smooth the strips with your fingertips, but do not press so hard that the form collapses. Place the project in a breezy, shaded spot; direct summer sun can make the outer layer dry before the centre has set.
If you prefer a flatter animal, build the body from a clean food container and tape cardboard circles over the ends. Small cardboard rolls can become legs, while folded pieces make ears. For inspiration beyond the newspaper itself, a nature collage guide can help you think about combining simple textures and found shapes.
Shape The Pig And Add The Slot
Once the body is fully dry and firm, pop the balloon through the uncovered knot area and remove it. Cut a cardboard snout, two ears and four short legs. Tape each piece securely to the body, then cover the joins with narrow strips of newspaper and paste. Add a curled tail using a pipe cleaner or a twisted strip of cardboard.
The coin slot should go on the upper back, where it is easy to reach. Mark a straight line with a ruler, then ask an adult to cut through the dried shell using a craft knife. Reinforce the edges with a little craft glue or one narrow strip of paper mache. Test the opening with a $1 and $2 coin before painting; a slot that works for only small coins will quickly become frustrating.
For extra strength, brush a thin layer of craft glue over the whole surface after the final paper layer dries. This seals loose fibres and gives paint a smoother base. Avoid making the shell excessively thick, as a very heavy pig takes longer to dry and may develop soft patches inside.
Paint Details That Bring It To Life
Paint the body in a base colour such as pink, coral, cream or bright blue. Acrylic paint is a good choice because it dries quickly and covers newspaper well. Two thin coats usually look cleaner than one thick coat. Leave the slot visible while painting so it does not fill with colour.
Add oval nostrils to the snout, round eyes and small cheeks. Cardboard ears can be painted inside with a darker shade, while a marker creates simple eyelashes or a smile. Children might give the bank a name, paint a school-colour design or decorate it with dots inspired by beach umbrellas at Bondi or bright market stalls in Melbourne.
For a distinctly Australian version, create a wombat, bilby or koala bank instead of a pig. Gum-leaf shapes cut from green paper make an easy decoration, while a small painted beach towel or surfboard can give the character a local holiday theme. Keep embellishments firmly attached, especially if younger children will handle the finished bank.
Protect The Finish And Make Saving Fun
Apply a water-based varnish or clear craft sealer once the paint is completely dry. This makes the surface easier to dust and protects it from fingerprints. Use the bank for coins only unless you have designed a larger opening for notes. Never seal the base permanently if you want to retrieve the savings; an attached cardboard flap or removable plug is more practical.
A paper mache bank is decorative, but it is still handmade and should be treated gently. Keep it away from rain, damp bathroom air and very humid areas. In coastal Queensland or during a wet Sydney week, allow extra drying time and use a fan nearby without aiming strong heat directly at the project.
Practical Ideas For A Better Result
- Make a paper template first to test the length and position of the coin slot.
- Use a bowl or jar to support the balloon while applying each paper layer.
- Dry the bank overnight between layers instead of relying on surface dryness.
- Paint the underside a darker colour so dust and handling marks are less noticeable.
- Label the bank for a goal such as a zoo visit, footy ticket or holiday treat.
- Keep the project away from children under three because coins and small decorations are choking hazards.
Put the finished bank somewhere visible, such as a bookshelf, kitchen bench or child’s bedroom shelf. Add a small handwritten savings goal and celebrate each deposit, whether it is change from the servo, coins found in a school bag or money left after an arvo treat. With a little paste, paint and imagination, this simple craft becomes a useful keepsake and a cheerful reminder that small amounts can add up. Gather your recycled materials and start shaping a character that is ready to save.