Things You'll Need:
- Vaseline
- Mixing bowl
- Flour and water or wallpaper paste
- Newspaper
- Model, balloon or mask for template
- White tempera paint
- Sandpaper (if desired)
- Chopstick or ribbons for handle
- Strong craft glue
- Decorating materials such as paint, gauze, feathers and glitter
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Step 1
Decide what kind of model or template you plan to use. The easiest way to be certain that the mask properly fits the person it is intended for is to layer the papier-mache onto the person's face. However, there are other types of templates you can use. A balloon blown to about "head size" will work well, but will lack features such as brow lines. Another excellent template is to build the papier-mache on top of an existing mask covered with protective cling film.
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Step 2
Mix up papier-mache. There are two kinds of paste you can use: flour and water, which is non-toxic, or wallpaper paste, which is easier to mix but should be avoided if working with young children or using a real person as your model. To mix up the wallpaper paste, simply follows the directions on the packet. To make the flour and water paste, mix one part plain white flour to one part cold water, then dilute with four parts boiling water. The mixture will thicken to form a paste. For the paper, tear up newspaper into small pieces.
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Step 3
Prepare your model or template. If you are using a real face, make sure to tie any loose hair back and apply a thick layer of Vaseline to the model's skin. If you choose to use an existing mask or a balloon, you will still need to apply Vaseline.
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Step 4
Apply papier-mache. Dip a piece of newspaper into the paste and apply to model or template. Remember to avoid the eyes, mouth and nostrils. Overlap the paper to strengthen the mask. Once the first layer is complete, apply another layer. You may add several layers to make the mask strong, although if you are using a real face as your template only apply a couple of layers, since you can always add more layers once the mask has dried.
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Step 5
Remove the mask from your model or template. This will have to be done carefully. Once the mask is removed, you will need to let it dry completely. Do not apply more layers until the first layers are completely dry.
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Step 6
Prepare mask for decoration. Once the mask is completely dried, it needs to be finished before it can be decorated. To do this, Venetian mask makers will apply several coats of white tempera paint to the mask. If you desire a smooth surface for your mask, you may choose to sand it first, using very fine sandpaper.
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Step 7
Decide how the mask will be held in place. You can either have it tied using ribbons or make a handle. To tie it, simply make two holes at the temple on either side of the mask, and secure a piece of ribbon to each hole so that you can tie it in place. To make a handle, decorate a chopstick and glue the skinny end of the chopstick to one side of the mask.
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Step 8
Decorate the mask. Once the tempera is dried, you are able to decorate the mask any way you choose. You can decorate the mask using paint, glitter, rhinestones and feathers. Look at pictures from the Venetian Carnival for inspiration. Italy Guides has some excellent pictures of Carnival.
