Paper Mache Mask

Excerpts from "History of Papier Mache" By Jackie Hall

Despite the French sounding name, papier mache was not made in France until the mid 17th century. However, they were the first country in Europe to do so.

Papier mache actually originates from China; the inventors of paper itself. They used papier mache to make helmets of all things, which they toughened by many layers of lacquer. Examples have been found dating back to the Han Dynasty (BC 202 – AD 220).

From China, the interest in papier mache spread to Japan and Persia, where it was used in mask making and festival activities. Eventually it spread across the world.

You can get more paper mache ideas from Jackie Hall by linking to her site: www.papiermache.co.uk

Supplies:

• Newspaper
• Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
• Masking tape
• Paper mache recipe
• Acrylic paint and paint brushes
• Balloon

• Cover your work surface with a plastic tablecloth to reduce the amount of mess you're going to make :)
• Tear newspaper into strips
• Make the paper mache paste using one of our recipe ideas
• Blow up the balloon
• Cover the balloon with strips of newspaper dipped in the paper mache paste (2 layers)
• Hang to dry
• Cut the balloon in half
• Use masking tape to form features on the mask
• Cover with another layer of paper mache
• Let dry (again)
• Paint features; cut holes for eyes
• Make holes on each side of the mask and attach elastic

To make a more realistic shaped face, make as above except use a double layer of tin foil instead of a balloon. Use your face as a mold. Have someone help you gently press the tin foil to your face to get a nice face mold. Wad up newspaper and put it inside the curved section of the foil mold and lay it on your work surface. While applying the first layer of newspaper and paste, make sure not to press on your mold too hard or it will lose it shape!

Our thanks to Shachar for helping us out with this craft!

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