Create A Paper Mache Mask
It's Easy to Make a Mask!
Before we start explaining how to make a paper mache mask, let's learn about the actual history of paper mache.
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
And here we go....ready to make our own paper mache mask!
Materials
- Newspaper
- Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
- Masking tape
- Paper mache recipe
- Acrylic paint and paint brushes
- Balloons
Instructions:
1. Cover your work surface with a plastic tablecloth to reduce the amount of mess you're going to make :)
2. Tear newspaper into strips
3. Make the paper mache paste using one of our
recipe ideas
4. Blow up the balloon.
5. Cover the balloon with strips of newspaper dipped in the paper mache paste (2 layers).
6. Hang to dry.
7. After everything is dry, cut the balloon in half.
8. Use masking tape to form features on the mask.
9. Cover with another layer of paper mache.
10. Let dry (again :).
11. Paint features; cut holes for eyes.
12. Make holes on each side of the mask and attach elastic.
That's it! You've made a paper mache mask...good job!
We're always curious about how our crafts worked for you. So... would you consider sending in a picture of your finished mask to be featured in our photo gallery? It's easy to do!
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