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[ Paper Plate Masks | Paper
Maché Masks ]
Paper Plate Masks (Ages K-3)
 Paper
plates are one of the simplest and mosteffective mask making materials
for children,especially young ones! First supply 3 sturdy paper
plates per child, and, if possible, little bowls too. The first
task is to decide whether you will put your own face in the middle
of the plate, or somewhere else. For instance, you may want it to
be a half-mask, leaving the mouth open, with the head extending
above your own head. Be creative!
Then, hold
the paper plate up to your face, and put your two index fingers
on the outside of the plate where your eyes are. Have a partner
mark those spots with a pencil. (See how accurate your hands are
in knowing your own face, even without the aid of sight!) Take the
paper plate off your face and make a pin prick where the marks are.
Check if you can see through the little holes and if not, adjust
before drawing and cutting your larger eye holes.
 Draw
your mask character's features on the plate, attaching (with staples)
and overlapping the other plates, bowls, or cut out shapes for ears,
hair, noses, etc. Be sure to make space for your own nose, by either
cutting a hole there, or making a U shaped flap in the right spot.
Color and decorate your masks by stapling, gluing, taping, sewing
or otherwise attaching materials such as yarn, fabric, fur, buttons,
glitter, or anything you can think of!
Last, use
a hole punch to make a hole on each side of your mask, at least
an inch from the edge. String elastic or string through the holes
and tie a knot to secure it, measuring the elastic so that it fits
your head, or the string so that it can be tied behind your head.
Voila, your mask is done!
Paper
Maché Masks
Paper maché
is one of the most simple, durable, and versatile materials from
which to make masks! Children from about 7-107 will enjoy this process,
and come away with a wearable, expressive, and fun character!
What you need:
Styrofoam
wig head, cut in half
Oil clay
or plasticene
Vaseline
Newspaper
and paper bags, cut or torn into approximately 1"x2"strips.
White glue
(like Elmer's)
Acrylic
paints
1/2 - 1"
thick elastic
Place your
1/2 wig head in front of you. Decide if you will make a half mask
(to below the nose) or a full mask which would include the chin.
Cover the wig head with plenty of oil clay, working it well and
having plenty extra.
Take your
time to sculpt your mask with oil clay, onto the wig head. Exaggerate
the features and avoid undercuts where possible.
When your
mask is sculpted, apply, but do not rub in, a layer of Vaseline
on every part of your mask, including any part of the wig head that
may be uncovered.
Gather a pile
of paper strips. Mix glue with water in a ratio of 2 parts glue
to 1 part water. Mixture should be the consistency of drinkable
yogurt.
Dip a paper
strip into the glue mixture. Make sure it gets well covered, then
wipe off excess dripping glue. Lay the strip onto the mask sculpture.
Repeat, overlapping each piece with a previously laid piece.
Cover the
entire mask with paper bag strips, then do the next layer in newspaper.
Do the third layer with paper bag strips, and, if necessary or desired,
a fourth layer can be applied in either newspaper, paper bags, or
tissue paper for an interesting texture.
Allow to dry
at least overnight. When dry, hold the front of the mask with one
hand, and carefully remove paper maché from the mask mold.
If it is difficult, separate the paper maché from the mold
by running a dull knife between the clay and the paper maché
until all the edges are released. Then carefully pry the mask from
the mold.
Clean the
inside of the mask by wiping well with paper towels.
Paint with
acrylic paints, cut out eye holes with an Exacto knife, and decorate
as desired.
Punch a hole
on either side of the mask, at least an inch from the edge near
your ears. Measure your head, and thread the appropriate length
of elastic through, tying knots to secure.
Now bring your
mask to life, with movement!! Welcome to the world of masks! |
