DIY fun paper mache mask

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diy paper mache mask (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nickallen/) | Creative Commons

Paper mache is a really fun and easy project, and it’s great for both kids and adults. We especially love this particular paper mache mask idea because the result is something you can actually use for fun costume parties (especially in combination with cheap pink sweet 16 tiaras) later on. If you take care in the construction, you’ll actually be left with a very usable mask that you’ll be able to wear – kids love these and will want to show off with all of their friends. The whole project takes just a couple of days and is a fun one to do with a group of kids because they will be instantly drawn into sharing their masks with each other. Now let’s get to it!

What You’ll Need

  • Newspapers.
  • White printer paper.
  • Water.
  • Elmer’s glue.
  • A large plastic bag.
  • A large paint brush.
  • Paint and small paint brushes.
  • Somewhere you can make a big mess!

What To Do

  1. Begin by making a mixture of 3 parts glue to 1 part water and mix thoroughly.
  2. Using your large brush, dip it into the mixture and brush over a sheet of newspaper until it is thoroughly moistened.
  3. Place a second sheet on top of the first and repeat brushing the mache mix on the new sheet.
  4. Repeat the process with a third sheet and wait until all three have somewhat dried.
  5. Cut your plastic bag in half so that it is just one layer of plastic and place it over your face (be careful! plastic bags can be extremely hazardous if not properly supervised).
  6. Take yours multi-layered newspaper-mache hybrid and place it over the bag that is covering your face, molding it to the contours of your bone structure.
  7. You should now have a shape vaguely resembling your face.
  8. Continue adding newspaper layers to the face with your paper mache mixture, this time by slice the news paper into smaller pieces and adding them on one at a time, taking care to allow proper drying in between.
  9. After your mask is big enough, add one final layer of white printer paper – this will make painting it much easier – let the whole thing dry off. You might want to hang it up from an easel pad hanger for more uniform drying.
  10. Paint your mask and let it dry – enjoy.