Paper Mache Masks

This messy craft is a great way to use up old newspapers.

MATERIALS

• Old newspaper, torn into strips 1 inch wide
• Newspaper to cover table
• Tape
• Flour
• Water
• Salt
• Large bowl
• Balloon (colour does not matter)
• Assorted colours of acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Ribbon, feathers, pompoms, etc…

DIRECTIONS

1. Preparation:
   • Prepare your work surface by covering it with old newspaper or an old plastic table cloth you don’t mind getting dirty!
   • Tear newspaper into 1 inch strips.
   • Blow up balloon into desired size. This will be the base for your mask. You will pop the balloon once the paper mache layering is complete.
   • In a large bowl mix two parts water to one part flour. This will be your glue. Add a tablespoon of salt to help preserve the glue mixture.
2. Layering:
   • Dip torn newspaper strips into glue mixture. Remove excess glue with fingers. Newspaper strips should be wet, but not soaked and clumpy.
   • Lay newspaper strips horizontally on the balloon.
   • Add another strip slightly overlapping the first.
   • Continue until the front half of the balloon is covered with a complete layer of strips.
   • Let dry.
   • Each layer will take up to 24 hours to dry. Cover any leftover glue mixture and place in the fridge to keep it from spoiling. Bring it back to room temperature when you are ready to begin the next layer of newspaper strips.
   • Apply second layer of newspaper strips vertically over the first. This alternating layering helps to create a durable mask.
   • Let dry. Repeat layering until you have reached a desired thickness for your mask. We suggest at least three layers for a nice strong mask.
3. Decoration:

• Once completely dry, pop the balloon and remove it from the inside of your mask.
• Adult Assistance Alert: Trim the outside edges of the mask. Cut eye holes if desired.
• Decorate your mask however you want. Use your imagination! Here at OVWRC we put a base coat of white paint on the masks before decorating them. This white paint ensured that the newsprint was not visible under the final painting of the masks.

 

Click here to see photos of our Paper Mache Masks.