How to Make a Snake Mask
Snakes make good bases for colorful, glittery masks. They come in many different colors and some look like gems--the rough green snake and gold womba, for instance. You can use them for masquerade balls or make them gold and use them for Egyptian-themed parties.
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Things You'll Need
- Paperclay
- Gesso
- 10 inch plastic or wooden stick
- Krazy Glue
- Costume glasses
- Acrylic paint
- Dimensional paint
- Acrylic top coat
- Sandpaper
- Several small paint brushes
Instructions
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1
Shape paperclay over the costume glasses, with one curve of the snake over one and the other curve under the other eye. Make the width of the snake's body about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. The snake should be S-shaped.
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2
Decide which end you want as the snake's head and which end the tail. Have the tail end taper to a rounded point and the head end create a diamond-shape. Refer to picture of snakes as a guide. Let the paperclay dry overnight.
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3
If using paperclay, sand the dry mask to smooth the surface then coat with gesso. Gesso is a primer that allows you to make a smooth or toothy surface. Use the gesso with the finish you want. Let the gesso dry.
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4
Paint the snake a base color using acrylic paint--black, gold, green, depending on the snake you're going for. Let the paint dry.
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5
Paint details with the dimensional paint--squiggles, dots, triangles--to create the look of scales and snake details. Use the dimensional paint to create the snake's face. Use multiple paints to achieve the look you want. Allow the dimensional paints to dry until they are no longer tacky.
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Seal the paint with a clear acrylic top coat and allow to dry. Krazy Glue the stick to the back of the snake at the tail end or you can have a vertical mask by gluing the stick behind the U-shaped curve and at the tail.
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Tips & Warnings
Always allow one layer to dry--clay, gesso, paint--before moving on to the next step.
