How to Make a Mask to Fit Your Face

Store-bought masks often don't fit faces properly, with eyes being too wide or narrow and the face looking lumpy. Using some paper mache, you can create a mask that fits to your own face perfectly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper
• Plastic wrap
• Flour and water mixed
• A model

1. 
   Create a paste.

   Make a batch of glue for paper mache. The recipe calls for flour and water, though you can use watery glue as well. You will also need newspaper torn into strips. A ½” to 1” width will work.

2. Have the model for the mask lay down. You will want to cover their face so the paper mache does not stick to their skin. Plastic wrap should work, though make sure to cut nostrils and a mouth so they can breathe!

3. 
   Here's an example of how it should look. You may wish to layer closer to the eyes and nose.

   Begin layering the newspaper dipped in paste over their face. Make sure to leave the mouth, nostrils, and eyes uncovered. (You may need thinner strips of newspaper if you want to create the septum.) Make sure your mask is thick enough to support itself when dry, which should be about 1/8” to ¼” thick. Reinforce the edges as much as possible; remember that you can always fix it later. This stage is to make the mask fit the person’s face.

4. Once the paper mache is somewhat dry, remove it from the model’s face. Allow it to dry further. Now you can reinforce parts. Pay particular attention to the edges of the mask and the eye/nostrils/mouth holes.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to keep the nostrils and mouth uncovered!