How to Make a Plaster Mask

This is a very basic mask, which you can adapt to a variety of uses. After it is painted and decorated, each mask is unique, so they could easily be used for creative decoration or gifts. The mask will also fit the person it was made for closely, so it could be used for halloween, dramatic performances, or other costumed events.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• plaster covered fabric strips
• hand lotion
• cornstarch or baby powder
• scissors
• craft knife
• paint
• decorative items
• friend

1. Prepare the person who will be used as the model for the mask. Apply lotion to his or her face, and dust with baby powder or cornstarch. This combination will help make the mask easy to remove.

2. Prepare the plaster. The type of plaster strips that are useful for this project are available in hardware stores and some craft stores. Besides crafts, they are used to patch holes in plaster walls. Cut the fabric into short strips, and get a small bowl of water.

3. Have the model lie down with closed eyes. Take a strip of plaster, dip it in the water, and smooth it onto the model's face. The more you smooth each strip, the evener the plaster surface will be. Repeat this process with many more strips, overlapping and making several layers over the entire area that you want to cover. Leave the nostrils, mouth, or both uncovered, so that the model can breathe.

4. Have the model lie still until the mask becomes quite dry and hard. Carefully remove it, and put it in a safe place to finish drying completely.

5. Use the scissors or craft knife to trim the mask to the shape you prefer, and also to cut out the eye holes if you want. If the edges are rough, you can touch them up with more plaster.

6. Decorate the mask with paint and by gluing on decorative elements. If you want a strap, you can also glue one on, or cut holes to tie one on at this point.

Tips & Warnings

• When molding the mask, avoid the hairline, as getting hair stuck in the plaster can be painful. Adding extra lotion or a layer of vaseline in this area before applying the plaster can also help prevent this problem.