Planning my son’s first birthday party was one of those moments where I wanted everything to feel extra special—but still doable. If you’re searching for easy paper crafts DIY, this project is exactly that: simple, budget-friendly, and so impactful.
We’re hosting a circus-themed party, and I wanted statement centerpieces that looked custom and high-end… without actually being complicated. Enter: paper mache round boxes.
Why Paper Mache Boxes Are Perfect for Party Decor
One of the best parts about this project is how versatile these boxes are. I picked up a set of round paper mache boxes and instantly knew they’d be perfect for creating stacked “cake-like” towers. I grabbed mine at Hobby Lobby while they were on the 40% off rotation, so they were super cheap!
They’re:
- Lightweight
- Easy to paint
- Beginner-friendly
- Functional (you can weigh them down for outdoor use!)
👉 Pro tip: Since our party is outdoors, I filled the boxes with rocks so they wouldn’t blow away—such a simple but important detail.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Round paper mache boxes-large
- Round paper mache boxes-small
- Spray paint (various colors linked here)
- Scrapbook paper (various colors linked here)
- Hot glue gun
- Glue sticks
- Gold decorative ribbon
- Tickets
- Plastic zoo animals with mini party hats
Step-by-Step: How to Make Circus-Themed Centerpieces
1. Paint Your Boxes
Start by spray painting your boxes in your chosen colors. I used:
- Aqua blue
- Cobalt blue
- White
Let them fully dry before moving on.
2. Create the Classic Circus Stripes
For the white boxes:
- Cut red strips of scrapbook paper
- Attach using a hot glue gun
This instantly gives that iconic red and white circus tent vibe.
Optional: You could certainly hand paint the stripes or use painter’s tape to tape off the stripes and spray paint the second layer of paint- totally up to you. I felt like gluing the paper on was quicker and I also liked the added dimension!
3. Add Pattern + Dimension
For the light blue boxes:
- Cut darker blue triangles
- Glue them evenly around the box
For the dark blue boxes:
- Repeat the same pattern
- Use yellow paper for contrast
For my main table centerpiece, I did three layers. For the top box:
- Add stars to vary the design
- I also added some tickets around the edge of one of the boxes which was a fun little effect for the theme
👉 This layering is what makes the design feel custom and high-end
4. Stack and Secure
Once all boxes are decorated:
- Stack them like a tiered cake
- Secure using hot glue
5. Add Decorative Details
This is where it comes to life:
- Add gold ribbon around the striped box
I had considered gluing pompoms around the edges where the boxes meet, but decided against it because it seemed too busy and not quite the look I was going for, but this is definitely an option!
6. Create the Show-Stopping Topper
For the top:
- Use plastic zoo animals
- Spray paint them gold
- Stack smaller animals on larger ones
- Add mini party hats
👉 This adds that fun, dramatic circus feel!
The Final Result
These turned out even better than I imagined. They look like custom party decor you’d spend a fortune on—but they’re actually an easy paper crafts DIY project anyone can recreate.
And aside from spray paint drying time, this is:
✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Quick to make
