Paper mache masks are a great way for showing your creativity as well as having some fun. Masks can be used for various purposes, such as decoration, party celebrations, fairs and festivals, fancy dress competition, various forms of dances etc. Thus, masks have a high utility and can be quite fun to wear. However, what can be better than making a papier mache mask at home and adding your personal touch to it for the occasion. If this has inspired you, read the tips given below and know how to make a paper mache mask.
Making Papier Mache Masks
Materials Required
- One-gallon Plastic Milk Jug
- Newspaper, trimmed into 1 inch by 6 - 8 inch strips
- White Computer Paper or Paper Towels, torn into strips
- Flour and Water Mixture, for paper mache paste
- Salt
- Scissors and Craft Knife
- Assorted Colors of Acrylic Paint
Instructions
- Prepare the work surface with the help of strips of newspaper. Do not use scissors to make the strips, just tear them by hand.
- For the mask, you will have to prepare paper mache paste. For this, mix one part flour with 5 parts water. Boil this mixture and simmer for 3 minutes. To prevent mold, add 1-2 tbsp salt. This will give a consistency like thick glue. Let it cool and later pour into a plastic left-over container.
- Take any desired shape, size and material for the mask you want to prepare. Rinse and dry the object thoroughly.
- The next step is layering, wherein you dip a newspaper strip into the flour mixture and apply it on the surface of the mask, horizontally.
- Add several newspaper strips on the surface, slightly overlapping each other, till the mask is completely covered.
- Let this layer dry completely; which will take around 24 hrs.
- After this, apply the second layer on the mask surface including the flour mixture and white computer paper. This will make it easier for decoration.
- After this layer dries, your paper mache mask is ready for decoration.
- For decoration, you can paint the mask as per your own theme and liking.
