How to Make African Style Animal Masks with Kids

Make African Animal Paper Masks with Kids or Adults

Create these African style paper masks easily and quickly with kids or adults. Mount them on poster board or construction paper for a 3D effect. The masks make beautiful wall decor or could be used in any African or Black History celebration or event.

Things You'll Need

• construction paper (large 12 x18 is best)
• scissors
• oil pastels
• stapler

Instructions

1. 

   Begin making the African mask by cutting a large oval from one piece of the 12x18 construction paper. At the top and bottom of the oval, make one slit in the middle of the oval's edge that extends about 1.5" into the oval. Use this later to make the mask appear 3-D when you fasten it to a second piece of 12x18 paper.

2. 

   Design a face for your African style mask. Make an animal, person or half person and half animal face. Draw the entire face onto the oval, avoiding the two small slits made in step 1. The mask creates a wall hanging, not a wearable mask so no eyes or other features are cut from it. Use multiple outlines and colors to create a very detailed image on the face.

3. 

   Make your mask 3-D by first overlapping the two sides of the slit at the top of the mask oval and taping or stapling it from behind. This creates a slight "poofing out" of the forehead of the mask. Repeat this process with the bottom slit by overlapping the two edges and taping or stapling from behind. The mask should now "poof out" at the chin as well giving the entire face a 3-D effect.

4. 

   Attach the mask to a second piece of 12x18 construction paper or piece of poster board by holding the mask against the second piece of paper and pushing down slightly. Pushing down creates a slight flat surface where the mask touches the mounting paper. Staple the mask to the mounting paper around the entire edge to secure it. Hang your "African Style Animal Mask" on the wall for 3-D decor.

Tips & Warnings

• Use heavy duty construction paper to maximize the 3-D effect.

• Use browns, blacks and tans for the faces and wood colors for the mounting pieces to create the most authentic looking masks.

• Press hard with the oil pastels when creating the faces so that the bold colored facial details show up against the dark paper.