How to Make a Scary Mask

Sure, you could go to the store and buy the same Halloween masks as everyone else. Or in just minutes you can make an original mask that will wow the Halloween crowd.

Imagine the perplexed looks of the neighborhood children when they come to the door and see you wearing a mask of your child's face. Or, for a last-minute costume, you can go as your spouse or your pet. The possibilities are endless.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An image editing program or image library program with a cropping tool, such as Digital Image Suite
• A printer
• Photo printing paper (the thickest-or heaviest stock-that your printer can use)
• String

1. Capture your photo
   
   Here are some tips to keep in mind when you're shooting the photo for your mask:
   
   Check your lighting: Whether you take the photo indoors or outdoors, be sure that your subject's face is well-lit, with no deep shadows.
   
   Get close: Move in as close as possible, so your subject's face fills the screen. You can use your camera's zoom feature, but you'll get a better photo by shooting close up and using less zoom.
   
   Give them a clue: Prompt your subject with, "Look scary!" or, "Make the funniest face you can!" to get the expression you want for your mask.
   
   Make it up: You can add makeup to create Halloween scars, whiskers, funny moustaches, or other embellishments before you take your picture.
   
   Take several shots: Shoot four or five images so you can choose the best one for your mask.
   
   Add special effects: Use your image-editing program to add special or funny touches to your photo. Add dramatic colors, eye patches, glasses, scars, facial hair, or whatever strikes your fancy.

2. Crop your image using the photo editor you used and if the lighting still isn't right, change it now along with whatever else you want to add in (special effects etc.).

3. Get your photo to the right size, you don't want your mask to be too big/small for your face!
   
   Now if your happy with the look of your mask, print it out onto thick paper (so it won't rip as easily)

4. Cut out the eyes and make two small holes somewhere at the sides of your mask (where ever suits you), this will be where you put the string through so your masks stay on.

5. Now go and scare your friends and family!

Tips & Warnings

• Use a photo editor that you are used to.
• If you are new to photo editing see if you can get help from a friend or relitive.

[dingland]

on 8/7/2009 Wow! It's so incredible. Thanks for your tips.