Making masks is a fun, easy and inexpensive way for both adults and children to welcome Halloween or a masquerade party. The mask can cover the entire face or cover only the eyes. After creating the mask, you can add ribbon, thread or wood to make the mask workable. Even if you plan on wearing the mask multiple times, there are a few tricks to save it.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Designing the Mask
Step 1. Choose the ingredients
Cardstock is the best material for making paper masks, but you can also use thick cardboard or even stiff paper plates. Choose the color you like and define the shape of the mask you want.
Step 2. Draw the mask shape
You can make a mask that covers only the eyes, half of the face, or the entire face. Decide what shape will best suit your event then draw that shape on cardstock.
To make the mask symmetrical, fold the paper in half and draw half of the mask. Unfold it and draw another half of it on the paper. You can also cut the shape in half while the mask is still folded. Make sure the crease is right in the center of the mask shape. Otherwise, the shape of the right part of the mask will be different from the left
Step 3. Draw holes for the eyes and, if necessary, holes for the mouth
To make sure the eye sockets are right where they need to be, first hold the mask in front of your face, then use a pencil to make small marks on the area in front of your eyes. After that, draw eyes around the mark. Repeat the process for drawing the mouth if you are making a full face mask.
Step 4. Cut out the eye image
Use an X-Acto knife or razor to cut two eye holes. If you decide to make a full face mask, cut out the mouth opening as well.
- Be sure to accompany the children to cut with an X-Acto knife, razor or scissors. Just fold the mask over where you want the eyes to be. After that cut a small hole and insert your scissors into the small hole to cut the shape of the eye.
- Don't cut the entire mask off. Leave a little section around the initial shape. Who knows when decorating a mask, you'll want a bigger mask.
Part 2 of 4: Decorating the Mask
Step 1. Color the mask with markers, crayons and paints
Now that your mask shape is finished, design the base color. You can use any medium you want to create the design, but paints, markers and crayons are the best choices. You can color the base with a solid color or add designs such as stripes, stars, polka dots and even strokes.
Chalk and colored chalk can rub off when rubbed and the powder gets into your eyes, while scented or strong-smelling markers can irritate your eyes and nose
Step 2. Add glitter, gems, feathers or other decorations
When you're done painting the base color, add decorations to the paper mask. Use a craft-specific white glue to attach the decoration to the mask as this type of glue is water-based and is less likely to hurt your skin or eyes. Once dry, this glue is also flexible so that your homemade mask can still be molded to cover your face.
Be careful not to choose decorations that are too heavy or varied. Too many extra embellishments will weigh down the paper and make it hard to keep it in shape. Too much added weight will make the mask slip off your face easily
Step 3. Set the mask aside for it to dry completely
Before performing any processing on the mask, allow the mask to dry completely. If possible, leave it overnight. If you continue the manufacturing process before the glue or paint has dried, the mask will be less likely to break before wearing.
Part 3 of 4: Making a Wearable Mask
Step 1. Cut out the mask
After decorating the mask, use scissors, an X-Acto knife or a razor to cut out the shape. Be careful not to cut any feathers or other decorations you are pasting. Bend the mask paper to make it easier for you to cut it out.
Step 2. Glue the tape
Take two pieces of tape, about 30 cm each. If you don't like ribbon, use a thick thread to tie the mask together as it wears.
- Glue the ends of the tape to the inside of the mask. Start sticking the tip close to the eye hole all the way to the end of the mask.
- If you have a hole punch, make a hole between the eye and the edge of the mask. After that, insert the ribbon through the narrow hole and tie it.
- Stapling the tape on the mask is not a great option. The staples can come off and hurt your eyes.
- Once you've attached the ribbon or thread, the mask is ready to wear. To do this, pull the ribbon behind your head and tie it.
Step 3. Alternatively, stick the stick on the mask
If you prefer to hold the mask over your face rather than tie it around your head, you can use chopsticks or a stick as a handle. Attach the handle to the back of the mask. As long as you apply a large amount of white glue, the handle will be strong enough to support the weight of the mask.
The handle of the mask can be plain or decorated with markers and paint before affixing it to the mask
Part 4 of 4: Saving the Mask
Step 1. Keep the mask dry
If you want the mask to last several times, you have to keep it dry. Since it is made of paper, the mask will tear easily if it gets wet.
If you want to wear the mask in a very hot and humid area, and are concerned that your sweat will stick to the mask, attach plastic wrap or tape to the inside of the mask to prevent sweat from soaking into the mask
Step 2. Store in a flat place
When removing the mask, try to keep the mask in a place where it won't bend easily. Instead of putting it in a drawer, put the mask on the shelf.
Step 3. Cover the mask to keep it from getting dust
Dust can easily damage the mask, especially if you decorate it with glitter or feathers. If you plan to store the mask for an extended period of time, make sure the mask is covered with a cover. If you want to use the mask as decoration, inserting it into the shadow box frame will keep it clean while displaying.
Step 4. Take care of the color
To prevent the design from fading or fading, simply spray some aerosol hairspray on the mask and allow it to dry.
