How to Make a Head Form

Display your prized hats on a custom head form.

Whether you are getting started in millinery or costume making or just want a creative way to display hats and headdresses, creating a head form from paper mache from the measurements of your head is an easy and inexpensive way to get a correctly proportioned form. Leave the paper mache unpainted for a shabby-chic look, or paint it to match your hats or décor. Either way, use a spray adhesive sealant when the form is dry to protect it during use.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Round balloon
• Newspaper
• Paper mache paste
• Pin
• Acrylic paints and brush (optional)
• Acrylic sealer

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of your head by wrapping the measuring tape around your head at ear level. Keep the measuring tape even and untwisted. Take note of this measurement.

2. Blow up the balloon slowly, periodically measuring its circumference. Add or release air as needed to get the balloon's measurements to match the measurement of the circumference of your head. Tie the end of the balloon tightly.

3. Tear the newspaper into ragged strips of varying widths and lengths.

4. Dip the newspaper strips into the paper mache paste, saturating the paper.

5. Lay the strips over and around the balloon, crisscrossing the strips to cover the balloon evenly.

6. Wrap strips around the base of the balloon in a widening cylinder to create a base for the head form.

7. Allow the paste to dry overnight. When it is dry, poke a pin through the layers of paper mache to pop the balloon inside.

8. Decorate the head form with paint, if desired, then seal it completely with an even coat of acrylic sealant.

References

• Lynn McMasters: Making a Fabric Head Form or Wig Form
• Make Your Own Playdough, Paint, and Other Craft Materials: Easy Recipes to Use with Young Children; Patricia Caskey; 2007