DIY Paper Mache Hide

Make a hide for your gecko or lizard from scratch! Mix flour and water in a bowl to make a paste and cut a newspaper into strips. Blow up a balloon to the desired size of the hide, coat a strip of newspaper with the flour paste and press the newspaper onto the balloon. Continue applying glue-covered strips of paper until the entire balloon is covered, allow the paper mache to dry and then apply a second layer and repeat for a third layer if desired. Pop and remove the balloon, cut off one side of the paper mache for the hide to sit flat and sand the edges of the hide smooth. Use non-toxic paint to decorate the hide, cover the hide with sealant and poke holes in the hide to attach plastic plants or silk flowers.