Make a Mask

A mask that contours to the shape of your face can be hard to come by. So why not make your own? Choose your medium, come up with your design, and follow these steps to your next costume party, masquerade ball, or plain ol' prank on your friends.

Steps

Foil Mask

1. Scrunch 8-10 pieces of aluminum foil. This is the base of your mask. The pieces should be large enough to cover the middle of your neck to the top of your head.
   • Place them in a pile. They should be flat but look textured.
2. Mold it to the shape of your face. Be sure to cover all the areas.
   • Make indentations for your eyes, brows, nose, lips, chin, and cheeks.
   • Curve the top to fit against your head and the bottom to rest against the start of your neck.
3. Draw a line along the top edge of the mask and cut. This should be the where you want the top of the mask to end.
   • If you want a full face mask, draw a line at your hairline.
   • If you want a masquerade look, cut just above the brow.
4. Draw marks for the eyes. Cut around the marks. They do not have to be perfectly circular or almond-shaped at this juncture.
   • Cut holes to fit the design of your mask. If you want large eyes, make some serious snips. If you want snake eyes, cut two small slits.
5. Cut the mask in two. Following a line along your upper lip, cut the bottom jaw off the mask.
   • The cut should be about 2 cm (3/4 inch) below the tip of the nose
   • This creates a more pronounced nose and chin.
6. Cut two slits to form the upper jaw. They should be an inch (2.54 cm) below the nose. Fold in.
   • It should now look as if the top of the mouth is forming.
7. Cut two more slits to curve the forehead. They should be small -- their purpose is just to round out the top of the mask.
   • Tape the slits with the material slightly overlapping to curve the forehead.
8. Make a clear line marking the jaw. Cut two similar slits below the line.
   • These slits round out the bottom of the mask.
   • Overlap the slits slightly and tape together.
9. Cut the excess so it forms a uniform curve along your jaw.
   • If you want your chin exposed or jaw fully covered, adjust accordingly.
10. Tape the two halves together. Tape on the front of the mask will not be visible once the mask is completed.
    • Tape over the eyes, giving them a rounded, symmetrical shape.
11. Apply two layers of paper mache to the mask.
    • Whisk water and flour in a wide-brimmed bowl until it becomes a paste.
    • Tear or cut strips of newspaper about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide.
    • Dip the paper and apply. Repeat until whole mask is covered.
    • Allow it to dry (or use a hairdryer to speed up the process).
    • Apply another layer. This time, add more layers to the mouth to give the illusion of lips.
    • Let dry.
12. Fold two pieces of foil into a triangle. These will be used for ears (optional). Use the same size sheets of foil you used for the mask.
    • The extra volume creates sturdier ears. Of course, make whatever shape fits your mask.
13. Tape the ears to the top of the mask. Place the tape on the front and back.
    • Apply two layers of paper mache to the ears and let dry.
    • If any area of the mask is left wanting, apply more paper mache now.
14. Paper mache two layers with strips of paper towels. These should be the same size (or slightly larger than) the newspaper but placed vertically.
    • Apply another layer horizontally and let dry. Your mask should start looking like a mummy!
      • If any section is not rounded out and even, apply another layer to minimize bumps and lines.
15. Begin decorating. Have your design and an assortment of paints ready.
    • Apply white acrylic paint on the mask for a base layer.
      • Leave it to fully dry.
    • Draw your design on the mask -- depending on your confidence level, this could be with pencil, pen, or paint.
    • Paint on your design and leave several hours to dry.
16. Put hair on your mask (if desired). Many mask makers use mohair, but any type of fake hair will suffice.
    • Use rubber cement to adhere, not hot glue!
17. Hole punch the sides (if desired). Thread a string or ribbon through the holes.
    • Tie a knot that cannot escape. Adjust to the size of the head or use a rubber band.

Plaster Cloth Mask

1. Purchase a plastic mask. Any craft supply store will have cheap, white masks. Determine whether you want a male or female face.
   • This mask will not be used in the final product. It is just for a temporary base.
2. Dip the plaster cloth in water and apply. Try to be as even as possible.
   • Scrape the cloth along the edge of the bowl to remove any excess water.
     • If water is pooling, use paper towels to dab it away.
   • Rub the fibers from each strip into each other for a smooth look -- they should seem to converge and bond.
3. Cut out holes for the eyes and nostrils. Do this when it is mostly dry.
   • If it is cold, it has not completed drying.
4. Take the cloth off the plastic base. Be sure it has fully dried!
   • If you want a slightly different shape, use the plastic mask as a guide. For a longer chin, place the cloth layer slightly above where it would naturally lie. Add more plaster cloth to the chin, extending it. For a longer forehead, do the opposite. For wide cheeks, place off to the right and left.
     • You may have to apply strength to adjust the mask; don't worry, everything is reversible at this stage. Bend it to your will. If something goes awry, hold it from the back and reapply.
5. Create details with more plaster cloth. Cut, roll, and mold the cloth into your desired shape. Add another layer on top to smooth it out, if desired.
   • Carve fanciful eyebrows
   • Sculpt a villainous mustache
   • Form mischievously chubby cheeks
6. Apply plaster cloth to the edges. Take a long strip and apply length-wise, securing the front and back.
   • Make sure to hold the strips straight. It should create a parallel line to the edge.
   • Follow the same guidelines with the eyes or any other holes to secure and prevent fraying.
7. Smooth out the mask. Dip a piece of plaster cloth into water, ball it up, and use the residue to fill in the holes and blend.
   • Don't apply the actual material -- just rub it over the mask and dispose when finished.
   • This process is similar to sanding.
8. Cut the necessary holes. If the mask will be worn, you have to breathe!
   • Cut holes (using a box-cutter or exacto-knife) for nostrils, a mouth, and/or on the sides for attaching an elastic band.
9. Pain on two layers of primer. This includes the front and back.
   • Don't skip this step: Primer helps blend and smooth.
   • Take 15 minutes between coats.
10. Paint your mask with acrylics. You may want to paint a small section, let dry, and perfect the color with blending.
    • Seal with polyurethane, if desired. This will make your mask appear shiny and polished.
11. Measure the wearer's head. If the mask is to be worn, it's gotta fit!
    • Attach an elastic band (or whatever material you have available) through the holes on the sides.
      • This can be done with sewing, glue, or velcro.
    • Add a piece of scrap material for a chin protector, if desired.

Masquerade Mask

1. Print out or draw a template on paper. You can find many mask designs online, but feel free to create your own.
   • Make sure the template (printed or drawn) fits your face.
2. Tape a piece of plastic wrap over the template. It's best to do this on a large, clean, even surface.
   • The plastic wrap keeps everything clean and separated.
3. Cut out your tulle or sheer fabric and place on top. It should easily cover the length and width of the template.
   • Tape it on top of the two other layers.
   • Make sure everything is secure!
4. Trace the template with fabric paint. It's easiest to stick to one or two colors.
   • This part takes time. Be meticulous and patient.
   • For a sparkly look, throw on some glitter before the paint dries.
   • Allow to dry overnight.
5. Peel the tulle/sheer fabric away from the plastic wrap. You should now have a copy of the template in your hands.
6. Cut around the fabric-painted template. Don't forget the holes for your eyes!
   • Fabric scissors work best for this step.
7. Cut two pieces of ribbon. Each should be roughly 20 inches (50.8 cm) long.
   • These will be used as straps to tie around the base of the head.
   • Cut them shorter if you like -- just make sure they fit!
   • Coordinate the ribbon color with the mask.
8. Spread fabric glue on the tips of the ribbons. Attach the tips to the edges of the mask.
   • Let dry 1-2 hours.

Duct Tape Mask

1. Apply oil to your face. You may use sunflower oil, coconut oil, olive oil - whatever you can get your hands on is fine. Since you will be using your face as a guide, you need to apply oil to protect your face.
2. Apply thin layers of paper towels all over your face, except for the eyes and nose holes, and, if desired, mouth. This is why you had to apply oil, so the paper towels have a surface to adhere to.
3. Apply duct tape all over the paper towels. Don't add just one layer, add two or three for durability.
   • You may make a mask only using one color, or you may use strips of different colors of duct tape for a fancier pattern.
4. Peel the mask off when completed. The paper towels help you avoid the contact with the duct tape, and the pain of peeling everything off your face. You may now remove your mask easily.
5. Poke some holes in for a string so that you can tie it up at the back of your head. Neaten around the edges, including the eye, mouth and nose holes.
6. Remove the paper towel excess from underneath the mask. This ensures a smoother (and less oily) wear.
7. Place the mask on. Adjust for comfort fit, then it's ready for use.

Tips

• If you make a mistake, press on. Back up and start over. Every mask has idiosyncrasies.
• If you use someone else's design, ask for permission from them.
• If you make a mask too small for a head make a slit in the back with a hole punched at the top of the slit to keep it from tearing.

Warnings

• Never use oils of any kind on the mask (e.g. oil paints).
• If you make a mask too big for a head, then take some clean sponge material and glue it on. Or use Velcro. Never hot glue any mask.
• If you make a mask and want to add a weathering effect then use artist charcoal, not BBQ charcoal or dirt. You can also use black paint watered down.

Things You'll Need

Foil Mask

• Aluminum foil
• Newspapers
• Scissors
• Paper towels
• Flour
• Water
• Mixing bowl
• Acrylic paints (not oil based!)
• Pencils/pens
• Paintbrushes
• Faux hair (optional)
• Rubber cement
• Elastic string/rubber band/ribbon (optional)
• hole puncher (optional)

Cloth Mask

• Paper cloth wrap
• Bowl
• Water
• Plastic mask
• Scissors/box-cutter/exacto-knife
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes
• Polyurethane (optional)
• Elastic string/rubber band/ribbon (optional)
• Scrap material (optional)

Masquerade Mask

• Tulle or sheer fabric
• Fabric scissors
• Ribbon
• Fabric paint
• Plastic wrap
• Tape
• Mask template (optional)
• Glitter (optional)

Related Articles

• Make a Ninja Mask
• Make a Plaster Mask
• Make a Mask out of Tin Foil and Tape
• Choose a Mardi Gras Mask
• Carve a Watermelon into a Tiki Mask
• Create Your Own Face Mask

Sources and Citations

See also

• Make a Ninja Mask
• Make a Mask out of Tin Foil and Tape
• Make a Paper Mask
• Make a Cheap Masquerade Mask
• Make a Slipknot Mask
• Make Halloween Masks
• Make a Joey Jordison Slipknot Mask
• Make a Mask out of Construction Paper