How to Make a Venetian Mask Out of Clay

Make a handmade Venetian mask using basic craft materials.

When you are going to attend a costume party or take part in a theatrical play, you may need to wear a Venetian mask as part of your costume. Although you can buy real Venetian masks from a costume shop or specialty store, they can be very costly. One solution is to make your own Venetian mask using basic craft materials, such as clay. This also enables you to customize the mask to suit your personal style.

Things You'll Need

• Ceramic clay, 1 pound
• Rolling pin
• Newspaper
• Clay knife
• Ceramic glaze
• Paintbrush
• Kiln
• Ribbon, 1-inch wide
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Knead 1 pound of ceramic clay with your hands for five minutes to remove any trapped air bubbles. Roll out the clay using a rolling pin into a sheet that is 1/2 inch thick.

2. Wad up newspaper into a bundle, then form the newspaper into a rounded oval that is shaped like a head. Form a nose onto the newspaper bundle with your fingers.

3. Drape the clay sheet over the newspaper form, then trim off the excess clay with a clay knife to create a mask that is formed only over the forehead, eyes and bridge of the nose of the newspaper form.

4. Cut out eye holes using the clay knife. Cut out a 1/4-inch wide hole on the right and left size of the mask, placing the holes 1/2 inch from the edges. Smooth down any rough edges using your fingers.

5. Allow the mask to air-dry on the newspaper form for 24 hours.

6. Paint the Venetian mask using colorful ceramic glaze, then allow the mask to air-dry for another 12 hours.

7. Fire the Venetian mask in a kiln set on medium-high heat for four hours. Allow the mask to cool down for four hours.

8. Cut two pieces of ribbon with scissors to measure 12 inches long each. Tie one end of each ribbon around one of the holes on either side of the mask.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow ceramics to cool completely before handling them. Hot ceramic clay can cause serious burns on skin.