Make a Papier Mache MaskMake a Papier Mache MaskMake a Papier Mache MaskMake a Papier Mache Mask

Let Karen show you the magic and mystery of bringing a mask to life!

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

Several years or so ago my daughter gave me a Mother’s Day gift. It was her fourth-grade art project -- a mask made with recyclables including newsprint, the handle half of a gallon milk jug and remnants of yarn. Eye holes had been cut under the jug’s bottom ridge. The surface, back and front, had a thin layer of papier mache. The face was painted in vibrant, primary acrylics. Hair -- pumpkin-orange yarn -- was glued to top and sides. Although it could be worn (elastic was stapled to the back sides), I preferred to display it on a wall next to a framed, archaic map and shadow-boxed arrowheads. I treasured that mask for years and would have it today had it not been water damaged during a move. Despite its ruin, the mask stayed in memory. In fact, it spurred my own journey into the world of papier mache. Now a full-time, working artist, I have rendered several masks. The act speaks to some ancient memory when masks were used for healing, life passages and ecstatic transformations. Because of that there is a sense of mystery and magic when bringing a mask to life. The technique I use is quite simple. Although I have taught mask making to six-year olds, I believe it more appropriate for children eight years and older; and for “kids” of all ages.

The ingredients

You will need...You will need...You will need...You will need...

- A gallon-sized milk jug - Newsprint

- Flour - Salt

- Acrylic paints - Found objects

- Glue - Polyurethane (optional)

Step one: PreparationStep one: PreparationStep one: PreparationStep one: Preparation

Using dependable scissors, cut the milk jug along the seam.

Eyes can be painted. Eye holes need to be cut with a utility knife (adults only).

Hint: trace eye holes with a black marker prior to cutting.

Preparation

More preparation...

Step two: More preparationStep two: More preparationStep two: More preparationStep two: More preparation

Shred newsprint lengthwise in two-inch strips. You can easily shred twelve-page sections. Shred at least

twenty-four pages of newsprint. You may need more or less depending on the number of plies you wish to use

on your mask.

Because smaller pieces of newsprint are easier to handle, shred the long pieces into fourths.

Step three: Making pasteStep three: Making pasteStep three: Making pasteStep three: Making paste

A simple non-toxic paste can be made with unbleached flour, salt and water. You may use regular flour.

However, unbleached flour works better for me because it contains more gluten than bleached flour.

Begin with one cup of flour, one teaspoon salt and two cups of lukewarm water. Blend the salt and flour. Gradually add the water while stirring to form a smooth paste. Try to dissolve

all lumps. Add enough water so you have a thin soup-like consistency. Wallpaper paste may be used as a substitute for flour paste. I do not advise wallpaper paste when

working with children, however.

Make a Papier Mache MaskMake a Papier Mache MaskMake a Papier Mache MaskMake a Papier Mache Mask

Let Karen show you the magic and mystery of bringing a mask to life!

• Author: Karen Farr Lee

• Added: September 7, 2002

• Views: 88,671

• Page: 2 of 2

The first covering

Step four: The first Step four: The first Step four: The first Step four: The first plyplyplyply

Dip one piece of newsprint in the paste. Strip the excess liquid by squeezing it between your index finger and

thumb. Apply to the back side of the jug, beginning at the top.

Work in one direction. Overlap strips of newsprint, smoothing them out with your fingertips to release trapped air bubbles.

Cover the entire backside of the jug. Turn the jug over and cover it with newsprint as well. Wrap the handle in strips. Overlap sides.

Hint: Make certain the entire surface is covered with newsprint. Paint does not adhere to plastic.

Step five: The second Step five: The second Step five: The second Step five: The second plyplyplyply

Reapply newspaper strips This time work in the opposite direction of the first ply.

Hint: For greater durability, apply a minimum of three papier-mache layers. This, however, is optional. Two

will work well.

Step six: Drying your maskStep six: Drying your maskStep six: Drying your maskStep six: Drying your mask

Place your mask under a fan or in direct sunlight to dry. If you are working a damp climate you may dry the

mask on a lightly oiled cookie sheet in the oven using your oven’s lowest setting. Check after an hour. Remove

promptly when dried.

Step seven: DecoStep seven: DecoStep seven: DecoStep seven: Decoratingratingratingrating

Base paint your dry mask both front and back using a white or light-colored acrylic paint.

Wait a minimum one-half hour before applying a second coat of paint to cover newsprint bleed. Let dry for one day.

Paint the face however you desire. Glue found objects to your mask. Any good glue works well including all the non-toxic brands.

For a durable, easy to clean surface apply polyurethane (satin, gloss or semi-gloss) to front and back

of mask. (This should not be done by childrennot be done by childrennot be done by childrennot be done by children.)

Finishing the mask

The finished mask

If you wish to wear the mask attach a piece of elastic to the back sides with a stapler.

If you wish to hang your mask, glue a piece of felt (or other protective material) to the back, inside the top of the mask.

Final words...Final words...Final words...Final words...

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me via my website http://www.farroutart.com or by

email here.