How to Make a Harry Potter Death Eater Mask

With the popularity of the Harry Potter book and movie series, what child wouldn't want to impress his friends with a scary death eater mask that he made himself. Use simple paper mache techniques and possibly a little help from mom or dad. Note that paper mache does take about a week to dry, so start this project in plenty of time for Halloween.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Heavy duty aluminum foil
• Newspaper
• Powder wallpaper paste
• Large bowl
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Elastic string

1. Measure out a 60 inch piece of heavy duty aluminum foil. Fold it in half. Have your child lay face down on the floor. Gently mold the foil over his face pressing down into all the folds and crevices. Carefully shape around the nose and mouth and press down into the eye area. Cover the forehead just to the ears, then run it under the chin. Set aside when finished.
2. Hold several sheets of newspaper together and tear into 2-inch strips. Make plenty of these, so you don't have to stop and tear more later. Discard any left over strips or save for another paper mache project.
3. Mix powdered wallpaper paste in a large bowl according to the manufacturer's directions. Dip newspaper strips into the paste one at a time and lay over the foil mold. Overlap the strips and smooth carefully, being careful not to press too hard. This will affect the shape of the foil. Cover completely with the strips.
4. Add another layer of strips in the opposite direction of the first layer, overlapping the strips in the same manner. When finished, set the mask aside to dry. Be patient, as this takes about a week.
5. Remove the dry mask from the foil mold. Trim the outer edges with scissors or a sharp craft knife.
6. Use a picture of a Harry Potter death eater character for reference at this point. Cut out the eyes and mouth features with a craft knife. Poke two holes for the nostrils. Make a hole on each side of the mask just above the ears to attach elastic string.
7. Paint the mask with acrylic paint, again using the death eater picture for a guide. This character has distinctive markings on its face. Allow the paint to dry, add the elastic string and the mask is complete.