How to Make a Paper Plate Monster Mask

Spark some fun with your kids by making a paper plate monster mask. Use it for Halloween or just for pretend play around the house. You should have many of the items necessary for the mask around the house. If not, most can be found at any art, grocery or drug store.

Things You'll Need

• Paper plate
• Green, black and white paint
• Cotton balls
• Yellow marker
• Glue
• Popsicle stick
• Paintbrush

Instructions

How to Make a Paper Plate Monster Mask

1. This craft can get kind of messy since it involves paint and markers, so spread newspaper across the table you'll be working on. The kitchen or someplace outside is probably the best place for this activity. Kids should wear smocks—buy them from an art store or just use old clothing that you won't mind ruining. Also spread newspaper on the floor or cover with an old sheet.

2. Paint a paper plate green on both sides. With older children, you can use acrylic because it will paint a nice, deep color on the plate. With younger children, however, you may want to use watercolors because they're less messy.

3. Cut out two holes about one-third down from the top of the plate when the green paint has dried. This is where the eyes will see through.

4. Paint thick, black eyebrows above the eye holes.

5. Paint a black, square nose under the eye holes.

6. Paint a square, white mouth and cut a small hole in the middle. Once the white paint has dried, paint a black horizontal line and black vertical lines for teeth.

7. Color two cotton balls yellow with the marker and glue them to the sides of the paper plates. These are the “bolts” in the monster’s neck.

8. Paint a curved, black line on the mask to create stitches and then add cross-hatches.

9. Glue a Popsicle stick to the bottom of the paper plate. You now have your mask!

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re using acrylic paint, it’s probably best to pour a small amount in a cup for the child to use. Watercolors don’t carry this problem since they’re typically in small trays.