How to Make Paper Mache Masks

Paper mache is a simple project for both kids and adults that can be made with simple items you have in the kitchen and around the house. Masks and articles for holidays like Halloween, parties, school plays or just fun are relatively easy to make.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• flour
• water
• salt
• newspaper
• masking tape (for holding pieces together to paste)
• empty toilet paper rolls
• dryer lint
• balloons
• Crayola Non-toxic markers
• imagination
• non toxic paint (optional)
• small boxes

1. 
    

   Paper mache simply means "chewed paper". (No you are not going to be required to start chewing up paper!) One very simple way to make paper mache is to simply dip newspaper strips in a mixture of white flour, warm water and a little salt (the salt prevents the flour from souring and growing mold). An inflated toy balloon makes a good base for putting the paper mache on. It also gives a great shape for making masks, bowls and other projects. You can also use boxes, empty toilet paper rolls, empty paper towel rolls, and other objects for molding. Aluminum foil works too!

2. 
    

   Step One: Blow up a balloon. Spread a plastic table cloth and / or sheets of newspapers on a table (for keeping the mess in one place, this will be messy but that is half the fun)
   
   Mix white flour, a teaspoon of table salt and warm water in a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients until the mixture is like oatmeal. A large plastic bowl, about the size of a large cereal bowl works great. For larger projects use a larger bowl but start small.

3. 
    

   Step Two: Now tear the newspaper, brown paper or scrap paper into strips or pieces. (*note: you can use any type of paper except for glossy paper like colored pages from magazines) The pieces then need to be dipped in the paper mache paste and placed on the balloon one by one. Pieces should overlap and one full layer should be placed on the balloon until the entire balloon is covered. This can be messy but is fun.

4. 
    

   Step Three: Once the balloon is totally covered, add a second layer. When finished let dry until hard, usually overnight. Add as many layers as necessary. This will give you your basic shape. (the remaining paper mache can be kept in the refrigerator in a covered bowl for later, but it is easy to make more.

5. 
    

   Step Four: Now that the balloon is covered in paper mache and it has dried it is time to pop the balloon. You can pop it with a pin or a pair of scissors. (Remove the balloon and throw it away. Deflated balloons can be swallowed by small children and pets.) Now you have a hallow ball of paper mache!

6. 
    

   Step Five: Cut the paper mache balloon in half. Now you have two halves of the balloon shape. Masks can be made out of halves. Cut out two eyes a place for your nose and a mouth with scissors or a razor knife. Paper Mache can be quite strong in multiple layers but will cut with a sharp razor knife. Put more paper mache layers over the cut edges for more strength. Make two slits on each side where the ears should be for ribbons or strings for ties, reinforce these with more paper mache.
   
   At this stage you can use more paper mache mixture and more paper can be added for ears, a nose, chin, eye brows and hair. Be imaginative. You can add horns (paper cones), a clown' s nose, animal ears, what ever interests your child. You can use paper rolls, balled up paper taped then paper mache covered to make shapes.
   
   Laundry lint soaked in paper mache paste is great for eyebrows, mustaches, horns, and other decorations. Laundry lint soaked in the paper mache paste acts like sculpting paper and can be made into lots of things! It is great for using by itself.
   
   Paint your mask with non-toxic water base paints. Be imaginative. You can add sparkles and other objects by gluing them in place or using paper mache paste to layer them on (before you paint). Spray paint does not work well unless you coat the entire mask with a base coat first. I use white acrylic latex house paint. (its non toxic and cleans up with water)
   
   If you paint them with white paint you can even use Crayola non-toxic markers! Works well for details.

7. 
    

   Other mask ideas: Instead of a balloon, mold several layers of tin foil to your face. Put a layer of paper mache over the tin foil and use it for a form. This form will fit your face better when you are done.
   
   A large ball or bowl can be used to build up paper mache for large full head maskes. Put a plastic bag over the ball or bowl and tape it in place so the paper mache will not stick to it. You can tape and paper mache peices together to make really big parade masks.
   
   You can use Elmer's glue to add glitter, straw hair, or other objects.
   
   Remember paper mache is not water proof. If your mask is going to be used for outdoor plays or parades you may want to use a marine varnish on it to protect it from the weather. Enjoy. Only your imagination limits you.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean up: Paper mache cleans up with simple soap and water.
• don't worry about perfection
• paper mache can be composted (only if you use only non-toxic paint)
• Drying balloons covered in paper mache can be put in bowls to dry.
• Almost anything can be used as a form for paper mache.
• Search images on the web for ideas.
• Never leave uninflated balloons with small children.
• never leave sharp scissors around small children.
• Allow time for the paper mache to dry, preferably overnight.
• Use a plastic bowl for children to use, not glass
• Paper mache is messy, prepare a place for working with it.

[floodmud]

on 5/28/2009 Thanks for child safety tips ..

[karenelaine]

on 5/26/2009 Great article!