How to Make Masquerade Party Mask Costumes

Create a masquerade mask that draws attention if you want to be noticed.

A masquerade ball calls for secret identities and a mask is a big part of the event's drama and excitement. Although masquerade masks are available at party stores, making your own unique mask adds anticipation to the event. You can use all the colors and embellishments you desire to create a costume that matches your personality, whether it's vivid and dramatic or elegant and simple. There are several ways to create a stunning masquerade party mask.

Things You'll Need

• White papier mache mask
• Paper
• Pencil
• Acrylic craft paints
• Paint brushes
• Hot glue
• Embellishments (feathers, ribbon, glitter lace, beads, rhinestones and sequins)
• Dowel rod

Instructions

1. Purchase a sturdy plain white mask at a party store, craft store or costume shop.Think of the mask as a blank canvas waiting to be bought to life with your imagination and creativity. Cut the masquerade mask to the desired shape. Female masks often are shaped like cat-eyes and are slim enough that they hardly cover the nose. Male masks are broader and tend to cover the entire forehead, the top of the cheeks, and most of the nose. Use pictures of masquerade masks as a guide or inspiration as you shape and design your mask.

2. Choose a theme for the mask. You want the mask to depict the character you will be playing for the event. For example, your mask might be scary, animal-like, sad or happy. Once you decide on a theme, sketch designs on a sheet of paper until you find a design that you like.

3. Use acrylic craft paint and a round paintbrush to paint the mask with a base color. The base color should compliment the color of your outfit. Choose gold, white, or silver and black if you want an elegant and classic look that goes well with any outfit. Choose pastel colors such as pink, sky blue and violet if you want a softer look. Choose red if you want daring and sexy look or deep colors such as blue or purple if you want dark and edgy. Allow the paint to dry on the mask as directed by the manufacturer. Paint a second coat on the mask so you have a smooth surface to work on. Allow it to dry once again.

4. Shade your mask. One of the biggest differences between a cheap mass produced mask and an expensive masquerade mask is shading. Use a deeper shade of your base color with the round paintbrush to paint recessed areas such as the sides of the nose. Paint prominent areas of your mask in a lighter shade of the color.

5. Paint details on your mask with a liner brush. Popular designs for masquerade masks include swirling lines, butterfly wings and geometric shapes. Other choices include vines, small flowers, leaves, stars, half moons and snow flakes.

6. Embellish the mask with feathers. Masquerade masks for men usually have feathers that cover the top of the mask. Masquerade masks for women generally have short feathers on the sides accompanied by long tail feathers. Use glue to affix.

7. Glue more embellishments to your mask. Some great embellishments include ribbon, glitter lace, beads, rhinestones and sequins. Make your mask as decorative as you like.

8. Paint the dowel rod to match your party mask. Glue the dowel rod to the back of the mask, beside your right eye.

References

• Sweet Sixteen Birthday: Make-Your-Own-Mask-for-Your-Sweet-Sixteen-Masquerade-Ball