How to Make a Paper Mache Mask

Creating paper mache masks are fantastic way to get kids motivated in creating their own unique masks and show their artistic talent. Children can enjoy using their home-made masks for parties, as dress-up accessories, room decorations and Halloween parties. So, use the following steps of making paper mache masks to get children engaged and excited.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Round balloon
• Newspaper torn into strips
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Paper mache paste (liquid adhesive made using flour and water)

1. To prepare for making paper mache mask, cover your work surface well with an old cloth or newspaper.

2. Start blowing the balloon to a shape of your choice and tie it tightly and place the balloon on a bowl while you work on it.

3. Tear the newspaper into strips about 1-2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long. Make plenty of strips, as you will need a lot of them.

4. Get another bowl and make the paper mache paste using flour and water. Mix until the liquid adhesive becomes little thick and sticky on your hand.

5. Dip the newspaper strips one after another into the paper mache paste and cover half of the balloon with the strips.

6. Continue the process of putting newspaper strips dipped in liquid adhesive on half of the balloon and give at least 4 to 5 layers of paper mache.

7. After you have completed putting the layers, let it dry completely between the layers. Leave it for couple of days.

8. Once the paper mache is dry, pop the balloon and remove any loose pieces and cut the eye holes. Paint the mask and decorate however you like.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use variety of craft supplies to give a personal touch to your creation.
• Such as fabric scraps, glitter, beads etc.
• You can cut the eye holes before you start to decorate the mask.
• Any liquid adhesive can be used instead of the paper mache paste.
• If kids are creating the mask, let them make their own paper mache paste as it is described above and DON’T let them use any liquid adhesive.

[Bambimorgan]

on 12/9/2009 Fun article!