How to Make a 3D Lion Mask
Animal masks are popular as Halloween costumes and general play for children of many ages. A variety of materials can be used to make lion masks, from simple drawings on paper plates to more elaborate sculpted masks made from papier-mache, which is a rudimentary paste made from flour and water. In order to make a 3-D representation of a lion's face, you must use some form of sculpture, such as a balloon shaped to the mask-wearer's face or a plastic milk jug covered in papier-mache.
Things You'll Need
- Sealable container
- Metal pot
- 5 cups water
- 1 cup flour
- Spoon
- Mint extract
- Clean empty plastic milk jug
- Scissors
- Torn strips of paper
- Paint
- Flat stick, 12 inches long and 1 inch wide
- Yellow, orange and brown yarn, tissue paper or construction paper
- Glue
Instructions
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Prepare the Papier-Mache
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1
Put 1 cup flour and 1 cup water in a container that will seal airtight.
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2
Seal the container and shake vigorously to mix the flour and water thoroughly.
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3
Boil 1 quart water in a pot on the stove.
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4
Slowly pour the mixture into the boiling water. Stir constantly until the entire mixture becomes creamy.
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5
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in a few drops of mint extract that will help preserve the paste. Allow to cool to room temperature before using.
Making the Mask
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6
Use scissors to cut from the rim of the milk jug down the side opposite the handle. Continue cutting down the jug to about halfway to the middle of the bottom.
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7
Cut off the back of the jug. The sides can be discarded or flayed outward to become an anchor point for the mane later. Cut a semi-circle from the center of the bottom of the jug so the mask fits around the neck of the wearer.
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8
Dip strips of paper into the papier-mache paste, then spread these evenly to cover the front of the milk jug. Use two coats of papier-mache strips and smooth them out with your hand.
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9
Let the mask dry for at least 48 hours.
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10
Paint the face of a lion on the papier-mache. Use the bridge of the jug's handle for the nose and paint it black. Place the mask over the face of the wearer and mark where his or her eyes will be, then remove the mask and cut eye holes out with scissors. Paint the lion's eyes around the eye holes, and paint the mouth of the lion on the wide bottom of the jug.
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11
Cut a slit in the bottom of the jug about 1 1/2 inches wide. Slide the flat stick in the slit and secure it with glue and yarn. This will be used to hold the mask in front of the wearer's face.
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12
Glue pieces of yellow, orange and brown yarn, tissue paper or construction paper around the outside rim of the mask as the main. Add two triangular pieces of construction paper to the mane at the top for the ears.
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13
Let the mask dry overnight.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Instead of a flat stick to hold the mask in front of the wearer's face, you can poke two holes on either side and use yarn to secure it to the wearer's face. However, if you do this, cut a slit in the front of the mask to allow the wearer to breathe.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
