Do you remember the land of make believe? Where you could be a mysterious ninja, a bandit, or even a princess! A fun mask is a great addition to any dress up box, so try out creating your very own mask with your kids as a fun DIY activity.
How do I make a Paper Mask?
Making your very own 2D paper mask is even easier than pie. Young children will enjoy decorating these paper masks, just as much as you will.
Things you’ll need...
Hard paper or cardboard (A4 size, one for each mask)
2 X 10 cm long string pieces
A pair of scissors
Different colours of paint or kokis
A punch to punch holes in paper
Step 1 - Preparing the Masks for your Kids
You can draw an image large enough to cover your child’s face. You could also download an outlined picture from the Internet.
Step 2 - Time to get Messy
Use the paint and kokis to decorate the picture you drew out. Don’t forget to leave empty spaces for the eye holes.
Step 3 - Finish Your Mask
If your children are too young, you can help them cut the shape out of the card, as well as holes for their eyes to peer through. Use the punch to punch two holes, one on either side of the cutout at ear-level. Use one string, and thread it through a hole, then repeat.
How to Make a Papier Mache Mask
3D paper masks are a trickier than the previously mentioned 2D masks. We suggest you only try this activity out with older children. Papier mache can cause a big and sticky mess, so make sure that you cover surfaces like carpets or fancy table tops, as well as clothing first! If things get messy, you can simply use Omo to remove those unwanted stains.
What you need...
Card or stiff paper
A stapler
A measuring tape
Paint brushes
Paints in different colours
Crafty décor (sequins, pipe cleaners, coloured card etc)
A bowl to mix it in
A craft knife
Wood glue
Torn strips of Newspaper (3-5cm wide in length)
Step 1 - Preparing the Mask
Use the tap measurer to work out the circumference of your child’s face, then and add 5cm.
Step 2 - Create the Outlining Structure for the Mask
Cut out strips of card/hard paper about a 3 cm wide. See the visual below to see the length. Use the stapler to staple the ends so that it loops into a hoop. Then create the structure of the mask by stapling a few 3cm strips across the hoop.
Step 3 - Decorate the Mask for Kids
You can use fun objects to create features to the face of the mask. You can add a triangle shaped object to add a nose shape. Now insert shaped objects to give features to the mask. Mix water and the wood glue together and paint the strips of newspaper with it to start the papier mache. Let dry, and repeat until it’s thick enough to hold its shape. Then paint with colours, or decorate with crafty items.
Step 4 - Add the final touch so the Mask is Ready to Wear
Help you kids by using a craft knife to pierce and cut out the eye-holes. Remember to be careful as papier mache hardens quite a bit once it’s dried. You can use ribbon or string stapled on each ‘ear-height’ side of the mask so you little ones can wear the mask. TIP: Remember to cover the backs of the staples to protect your children’s faces from getting scratched.