How to Make a Chinese Dragon Paper-Mache Mask
A paper dragon mask can be a good homemade Halloween or costume party mask or a fun dress-up item. No matter what it's used for, this paper-mache mask is an inexpensive and eco-friendly craft project. It reuses items that you probably already have around the house. This project is suitable for young children as long as a parent is supervising and helping with the craft tools.
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Things You'll Need
- • Piece of cardboard
- • Masking tape
- • Scissors
- • 12 to 24 old newspapers
- • Long stick, spoon or paint mixer
- • Large bowl
- • White baking flour (not self-rising)
- • Warm water
- • Craft paint in various colors
- • Craft knife
- • 6' inches of sewing elastic
- • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- • Paper egg carton
Instructions
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1
Cut the cardboard into an oval shape that is slightly longer and wider than your head.
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2
Tape the egg carton shut. Use the hot glue gun to glue it to the lower half of the cardboard so that it sticks out like a snout.
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3
Put two cups of white flour into the bowl. Slowly add two cups of water as you mix with a spoon or stick. The mixture should end up the consistency of thick cream. This is your paper-mache paste.
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4
Tear your newspaper into long strips. Dip a strip into the paper-mache paste. Pull the strip out and run it between your index finger and middle finger to remove excess paste.
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5
Lay the strip over your mask and smooth out any air trapped underneath the newspaper with your fingertips. Continue laying strips of paper dipped in paper-mache paste until the front of the mask is completely covered. The strips should crisscross over each other to create a strong bond.
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6
Wrap the newspaper strips that are hanging over the edge of the mask around to the back of the mask.
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7
Let the mask dry. This could take several days.
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8
Cut holes in the mask for the eyes using the craft knife.
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9
Use the craft knife to poke a small hole on the left and right side of the mask. Thread the elastic through the holes and knot them.
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10
Paint the mask with your craft paint to finish the mask.
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Tips & Warnings
The mask can be decorated with stick-on jewels and glitter.
Parents should do steps that include a craft knife or hot glue.
Parents should supervise young children who are using scissors.
