Paper Mache Masks

Paper mache masks are a great way of showing your creativity as well as having some fun. These masks can be used for various purposes, such as decoration, party celebrations, fairs and festivals, fancy dress competition, various forms of dances etc. Thus, they have a high utility and can be quite fun to wear. Now, what can be better than making a paper mache mask at home and adding your personal touch to it? If this idea has inspired you as well, read the tips given below and know how to make a paper mache mask.

Making Papier Mache Masks

Method 1 (Simple Paper Mache Mask)

Materials Required

1-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 thick glue-like consistency. Let it cool and later pour it into a plastic 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. You can now paint the mask as per your own theme and liking.

Method 2 (African Paper Mache Mask)

Materials Required

Pencils
Water
White Glue
Masking Tape
Newspapers
Mixing Bowl
Three to Four Brown Paper Grocery Bags
Thin Cardboard
Knife

Instructions

Crumple the newspaper in the shape and size you want and wrap the masking tape a few times over it, to help it keep its shape.
Mix equal volumes of water and glue in a large mixing bowl.
Now tear the other newspaper you have, in strips that are atleast 1 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long.
Dip a strip in the bowl and wipe excess glue from the fingers. Stick the strip to the mask from front and sides in an overlapping, crisscross pattern.
Draw or paint out the facial features on the cardboard and highlight the features that you want to reveal the most, like eyes, ears, hair or smile.
Cut out these features and stick it to the mask, using masking tape. Hide the tape with newspaper strips in the similar overlapping way. Let it dry for atleast 24 hours.
When the mask is completely dry, make holes in the eye, nose and lip area, using a knife.
Tear brown paper in the same size as the newspaper and use the glue mixture to stick brown paper strips on the edges of the mask. Also wrap the edges of the facial feature you have cut. Let it dry again.
Once dried, paint the mask and apply a layer of varnish over it. Decorate it using feathers, straws, rope etc.

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