How to Make a Foam Jaw Moving Mask
Masks are often used as a part of a costume, but since most masks do not move like a real face, they often have a "dead" appearance. One of the ways to make a mask more realistic and dynamic is to add a jaw that moves along with the jaw of the wearer when the wearer speaks or opens his mouth. Foam is useful when making this kind of mask as it is lightweight and can add form to a mask without making the mask heavy. Often, foam-covered masks are used for making large animal-shaped heads.
Things You'll Need
- Balloon
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- Newspaper
- Flour
- Salt
- Foam
- Craft knife
- Glue
Instructions
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1
Blow up a large balloon. When you coat the front of the balloon with papier mache, it will make a front for your mask. Attach pieces of cardboard to the balloon using masking tape to create a general form for the mask. For instance, for an animal mask, you could add a curved piece of cardboard for the muzzle. Do not add pieces for the lower jaw.
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2
Mix up some papier mache paste by blending equal parts flour and water in a bowl. Add some salt to prevent mold. Dip strips of newspaper into the mixture, smooth away excess glue and coat the cardboard pieces and the front and top of the balloon. Use several layers of paper and wait for the paper to dry completely before continuing. While it is not essential to make a form for a foam mask, it gives you something sturdy to which to glue the foam and makes your work easier.
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3
Pop the balloon and shape the form using a craft knife. You must cut out holes for eyes and cut away any material around your mouth. During the mask-making process, put the mask to your face often to ensure it will fit.
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4
Cut, then glue and bend several strips of foam from one side of the mask form to the other, going around the back of the mask. These will hold the mask to your head. Put the mask on to ensure that the strips are neither too tight nor too loose.
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5
Cut strips and shapes from soft foam and cover the papier mache form, giving it shape. Foam designed for padding sofas and cushions is suitable for this. Use a fairly dense foam, as it is possible to carve and shape denser foam somewhat. Do not make a foam form for the lower jaw.
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Cut a piece of foam that is wide and thick enough for the lower jaw of the mask, plus some of the upper jaw. Bend into an arch, then carefully cut in half partway with your craft knife. Do not cut the jaw piece completely in half. The foam naturally wants to bend back to its original position, so when you open this cut foam jaw, it will close naturally when you close your mouth.
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7
Glue the jaw in place, then add another piece of foam into the bottom of the mask jaw, under where your real jaw would be inside the mask. You do not need to cover the entire bottom of the jaw with foam.
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Decorate the mask, covering it with fabric or fur as well as eyes or noses. The materials you need will vary according to the type of mask you are making.
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Tips & Warnings
To make the mask open and close more realistically, you can add strips of elastic to the inside of the jaw, running from the jaw to the roof of the mouth.
References
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
