How to do a paper mache mask

Last Updated: March 4, Approved. This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects.

Many traditional cultures use masks as a way to celebrate their spiritual beliefs, but most of us, kids and adults alike, just have fun pretending to be someone else. And there are those of us who just really like using masks as wall art. In fact, this orangutan mask is on my wall, but it could be used as a traditional mask by making eye holes to see out of. Note: We have over tutorials on this site about how to make paper mache masks and sculptures. There are lots of different ways to make a mask, and some of them are even easier than this one! To see how to make a wearable mask using paper mache over a sculpted clay model, click here.

How to do a paper mache mask

While this tutorial could be used to make any mask via the paper mache method, I will show you specifically how I made the mask to resemble that of Dr. You can make masks for cosplay, you can make masks with kids, or you can just make them as decorations. I think I'll just keep mine as a decoration. Alternative to Mod Podge: You could, of course, use a flour-water mixture 1 part flour to 5 parts water , plus a little salt to prevent molding. I also used some transparent orange sheets see second photo I had in a drawer for the eyes of my mask. But that's not necessary. Honestly, I would have preferred to use yellow transparent pieces of plastic but I used what I had. Place some plastic wrap around the whole foam head. Again, just to reiterate, mine has already been covered in newspaper strips from a previous craft, so that's why my styrofoam head looks the way it does. Start placing masking tape over the face part of the foam head. Make sure you put smaller pieces of tape around the curve-y areas, like the nose and the eyes. Cut or tear some strips of newspaper about 1" wide. Pour some Mod Podge into a small container that way you don't have to keep the Mod Podge container open and start painting on newspaper strips on top of the masking tape. Again, use smaller pieces around the curves -- nose, eyes, mouth.

Whisk two cups g of flour and 1 cup ml of water in a bowl to make your paste.

Learn how to make a paper mache mask! Over time, there have been many ancient art forms that have become part of modern crafts. Paper mache is one of those art forms and is especially useful for making facial masks. Whether you have a costume party to go to or want to add some decor to your next themed party, we'll go over the easiest ways to make a paper mache mask. The supplies for paper mache masks are easily found at home and in art and crafts stores. As there is very little drying time, your masks will be ready in no time! Whatever it is you're making it for, there are three ways to make paper mache masks.

Help your child make a mask using their own face as a mold. You can also make a mask using a balloon as a base. Not only can this be a fun and educational craft, but it is also a great way to make decorations and accessories for Halloween. To allow ample drying time, you will need a few days to complete this project. To avoid a big mess, cover your work surface well with newspaper laid on top of wax paper, freezer paper, or even on an old tablecloth or shower curtain. Tear off a piece of aluminum foil at least twice as long as the subject's face, and fold it in half. Use the subject's face as a mold by gently pressing the double layer of tin foil over it. Wad up the newspaper and place it inside the curved section of the foil mold and lay it on your work surface. If you prefer to use a balloon as a mold for your mask, start out by blowing up a balloon and tying it closed.

How to do a paper mache mask

This is a reader-supported site. When you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for your support! However, you can use any paste recipe to make a mask or sculpture over wet clay, and this technique even works with paper mache clay. Just make sure you use the plastic over the sculpture before adding your paper mache. My model was a mask from the Ivory Coast that was created over years ago.

Knots to fps

Measure top of forehead to chin, then measure down to the eyes and draw a perpendicular line. Hi Joanne — this is great information. Well, here she is…. Share yours! You can use white glue thinned out with water, if that's more accessible. At this point, I also took the mask off of the foam head and cut out the face shape with a pair of scissors. We're glad this was helpful. If you've used the store bought Paperclay, you can easily sand it to smooth and shape it once it has fully dried. Start covering your jug. Proof of evolution? You could add as many details as you want, and even cover the whole mask with clay. I also added a small bump for her nose. In the photo above, you can see that I added one last layer of paper, using brown paper from a light paper bag. Remember to get a parent to help you with this bit.

Last Updated: January 13, Tested. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

I tried once with Elmer Glue and water and it seems to stay together pretty well. Also, measure the distance from ear to ear and make a grid on paper with these measurements. Mix your paints to get a color you like, then apply enough coats to your mask to cover the details of the newspaper and clay. K Reply. Start horizontally for the first layer -- then switch to vertically for your second. Alternative to Mod Podge: You could, of course, use a flour-water mixture 1 part flour to 5 parts water , plus a little salt to prevent molding. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Rated this article:. If you're going to wear it, make sure the holes line up! Wait until all of the extra layers have dried before decorating your mask further. Expert Interview. Im currently working on a smiling Mexican sun and moon, bowls, vases, Mexican masks, and an English Bulldog all with paper mache.