How to Decorate a Mask for a Masquerade
Identity-hiding masks at masquerades have not lost their appeal throughout history. These masks appear lavish and elegant but can be made quite simply. While it is possible to create the base of your mask from paper mache, you can also buy plain masks at craft and party stores to decorate. Many people choose to buy a mask base since paper mache can be quite uncomfortable on the face and difficult to create. Choose a design or create your own before decorating your mask.
Things You'll Need
- Mask
- 1 cup flour
- Water
- Strips of newspaper
- Petroleum jelly
- Paint
- Glue
- Sequins
- Beads
- Jewels
- Lace
- Ribbon
- Glitter
- Feathers
- Wooden Dowel
- String
- Felt
Instructions
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Create Mask Base
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1
Prepare paper mache batter by adding water to one cup of flour until the mixture becomes runny.
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2
Cover face in petroleum jelly to prevent mask from sticking to skin.
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3
Dip strips of newspaper into batter and lay on face. Continue adding strips until mask is desired thickness.
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4
Let mask dry and carefully remove from face.
Decorate the Mask
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5
Paint the base of the mask one solid color. Let dry before continuing.
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6
Paint any additional decorations such as swirls, patterns or animal markings.
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7
Make a border by gluing on sequins, beads, jewels, lace or ribbon around the outside of the mask. You can also make this same border around the eye holes.
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8
Add feathers. Most masks have feathers on one side or corner.
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9
Add any additional sequins, beads, jewels or glitter to the front of the mask.
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10
Glue on a wooden dowel to the side or attach a string around the back to wear the mask.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you choose to buy a mask be sure that it is plain and preferably a porous material to prevent paint from chipping. Instead of painting the base of the mask you can also cut out felt and glue onto the mask to make the first layer. Use acrylic paint for a fast-drying project. Hot glue works well for attaching many different types of decorations and dries quickly.
