Make a Naruto Anbu Mask for Cosplay
So, you want to cosplay as an Anbu, but you need a mask and really don't feel like carving one. You've come to the right place: follow the directions below and in no time (1-2 days) you'll have an Anbu mask of your own creation to display proudly over your face at the convention.
Steps
- Go to your local arts and craft store and get a full face mask and some form of air drying clay. Crayola Model Magic is the best to work with. Also buy some paint for the animal you're going to paint; all are primarily black, red and white.
- Decide which animal you are going to be. If you wait until after you have the clay placed on the mask to make up your mind, it may be too late for you to change. Find pictures of the mask you choose and print them out to study while you make the mask. It is a good idea to have pictures of the mask from as many different angles as possible, if you are aiming for perfection.
- Gather everything and place it on a work surface. Take your clay and a rolling pin or other flattening utensil and make it wider than the full mask but not so thin that it rips when you pick it up.
- Place the sheet of clay over the mask and use a knife to cut the eyes out in the shape required. It is up to you how to shape the rest of the clay. Use the reference pictures recommended in Step 2 if you need them.
- Wait for the clay to dry. Crayola Model Magic takes about 24 hours to dry, or longer depending on how thick your clay is.
- Paint your mask in the desired fashion.
- Wait for the paint to dry, and once you are sure it is done, you can wear your mask.
- Buy an inch-thick black elastic band and stick it more or less at eye level so that the mask can stand on your head on its own!
- Finished.
Tips
- If you are making a mask for an original character, have an idea in mind and sketched out on paper. Always have a plan for how you are going to sculpt and paint a mask.
- If there are any marks on the mask you can go over it with thin sand-paper to give it an overall smooth effect.
Warnings
- Don't touch the clay too much when it is fresh! It is unforgiving with fingerprints!
Things You'll Need
- Knife
- Work area
- A couple packs of clay
- Full face mask
- string
