How to Make a Mask

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Masks are fun to make and even more fun to decorate. While you can always buy a plastic mask from the store, it's easy to make your own. Best of all, you can get the exact shape and size you want; you won't be limited to what's available on the shelf. Once you know how to make basic masks, you can create all sorts of unique and interesting designs.

Note: If you're looking for masks to help prevent the spread of illness, you can create a medical mask instead.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making a Paper Mask

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    Measure across your face from temple to temple. Next, measure the height of your face, from your nose to the top of your forehead. Draw a rectangle on a sheet of plain paper based on those 2 measurements, then cut it out. [1]
    • Use a measuring tape for this.
    • This is just the base of your mask, so plain printer paper will work the best. You will trace the final shape onto nicer paper later on.
    • Most paper masks are masquerade style, so they only cover the top half of your face.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Fold the paper in half widthwise so that the shorter edges match up. Draw half of your desired mask shape onto the folded rectangle, with the center of the mask aligned with the folded edge. Be sure to fill the entire rectangle. [2]
    • Make the mask curve upward towards the bottom edge of the fold. This will create a gap for your nose and make the mask more comfortable to wear.
    • If you can't decide what shape to make, place your hand against the paper, with your wrist touching the folded edge, then trace around your hand. [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Measure the distance between the inside corners of your eyes, then divide that measurement by 2. Draw the eye hole that distance from the folded edge of your rectangle. The eye hole can be any shape you want, but an almond or cat eye shape would work the best. It would be a good idea to make the eyes a little bit bigger than your own. This will make the mask more comfortable to wear.
    • For example, if your eyes are 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, make the eye hole 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from the folded edge.
    • You are only drawing 1 eye for now. When you cut and unfold your mask, you'll have 2 identical eyes!
    • It would be a good idea to measure the height and width of your eye so that you don't accidentally make the eye hole too small.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    At this point, you can move onto the next step, or you can trace the mask onto nicer paper, then cut the final mask out. In either case, it would be a good idea to try the mask on, and make any adjustments. [4]
    • After you make the adjustments, trace the adjusted mask onto new paper, then cut it out.
    • If you are tracing the mask into nicer paper, do not fold the nicer paper.
    • Use a craft blade to cut the eye holes out. Make sure that you work on top of a cutting mat.
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    You don't have to do this, but it will make your mask thicker and more durable. Simply set the mask down onto a sheet of cardstock and trace around it. Cut the mask out, including the eye holes. [5]
    • Don't fold the cardstock. Simply unfold the mask, set it down onto the cardstock, and trace around it.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of liquid glue to the cardstock mask, then press the paper mask on top. Smooth out any wrinkles, then let the glue dry. [6]
    • You can use a glue stick as well, but it won't be as durable. Glue sticks tend to peel away over time.
    • For a nicer finish, leave 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) on the left and right side of the mask unglued. You'll attach the ribbons to these ends.
    • Skip this step if you did not cut a cardstock mask out.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Place your mask over the edge of a table with the paper side facing up. Pull the end of the mask over the edge of the table as you press down on the center of the mask with your palm. [7]
    • Repeat this step for the other end of the mask too.
    • This will give the mask a slight curve and make it more comfortable to wear. You can also just roll the ends of the mask by hand instead.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    You can get as creative as you want here. For a simple mask, you can draw on it with a gold or silver permanent marker. For a fancier mask, you can use items such as glitter glue or rhinestones. Choose a color that contrasts with your mask. Gold or silver will work the best, but you can also use black or white. Here are some ideas to get you started: [8]
    • Outline the mask and the eye holes with glitter glue or puffy paint.
    • Glue rhinestones or sequins onto the mask.
    • Hot glue some long feathers to the top left or right corner of the mask.
    • Hot glue a trim to the edges of the mask.
    • Glue lace over the mask to give it texture, then decorate the mask with a sequin trim.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Use a hole puncher to make a hole on the left end of the mask. Thread a length of ribbon through the hole, then tie it to itself. Repeat this step for the other end of the mask too. [9]
    • The ribbons need to be long enough to wrap around to the back of your head and tie into a bow. About 22 inches (56 cm) for each piece should be long enough.
    • Match the color of the ribbon to the decorations on your mask. For example, if you used lots of gold on your mask, use gold ribbon.
    • If you left 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) on each side of the mask unglued, only punch a hole in the bottom cardstock layer. Leave the upper paper layer intact.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Get a 12 to 14 in (30 to 36 cm) dowel. Paint the dowel with spray paint or acrylic craft paint if desired, then let the paint dry. Hot glue the left or right edge of the mask to the top of the dowel.
    • For a fancier dowel, wrap a skinny ribbon around the dowel to create a candy cane effect. Hot glue both ends of the ribbon to the dowel.
    • If you are left-handed, glue the left end of the mask to the dowel. If you are right-handed, glue the right end of the mask to the dowel.
    • If you can't find a dowel, roll a piece of paper into a thin tube, then glue down the end so that it holds together.
    • Choose 1 option or the other. Don't do both ribbon ties and a stick.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making a Foil-Base Mask

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    Tear off 8 to 10 equal-sized pieces of aluminum foil; make sure that each piece is big enough to cover your face. Stack the pieces together, then press down on them. [10]
    • Scrunch the pieces, then straighten them back out. This will help them "stick" together better.
    • This will create the base of your mask. If you prefer, you can use a full-face plastic mask from the craft store instead. Click here to continue.
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    Take the entire stack of foil, and place it over your face. Gently press down on the foil to mold it over your nose, mouth, and eye sockets. Be sure to mold it against the sides of your face too. [11]
    • The mask should cover your entire face, from hairline to chin.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    The bulges caused by your eyes should be visible on the mask, but if they aren't, put the mask on, feel your eyes through the foil, then trace around them with a permanent marker. Be sure to trim the excess foil from the edges of the mask as well. [12]
    • You can have the mask cover your entire face or just part of it. For example, if you want a half-mask, it can go from your nose to forehead.
    • Aluminum foil can ruin scissors, so use an old or cheap pair for this step. This way, if you accidentally ruin the scissors, it won't be such a big loss.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Cut a 1 in (2.5 cm) slit into each side of the forehead. Overlap the slits to create a curved edge, then tape them together with masking tape. Repeat this step for the chin if this is a full-face mask. [13]
    • The more you overlap the slits, the deeper the curve will be.
    • At this point, it would be a good idea to reinforce the other cut edges (including the eyes) with masking tape as well. This will help make the mask more comfortable.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Cover the mask with 3 layers of papier mâché . Mix together equal parts of glue (or flour) and water, then tear newspaper into thin strips. Dip the strips into the paste, then smooth them over the mask. Apply the first 2 layers right on top of each other, let them dry (about 20 to 60 minutes), then apply the third. Let the third layer dry too. [14]
    • Make the newspaper strips about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) wide and 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) long. Use smaller strips for small areas, such as the nose, and larger strips for large areas, such as the forehead.
    • Be sure to fold the strips over the cut edges of the mask, including the eye holes. This way, the cut aluminum won't scratch you.
    • You can cover the mask with plaster cloth instead. Cut the cloth into strips, then soak them to activate the plaster. You only need 2 layers.
    • For a nicer finish, cover the inside of the foil mask with 1 layer of papier mâché as well. Do this after the outer layer dries.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Sculpt the details with foil first, then secure them to your mask with masking tape. Cover the details with 3 layers of papier mâché, allowing each layer to dry. [15]
    • Other details you can add include noses, eyebrows, and mustaches.
    • If you want the mask to be smoother, cover it with another 3 layers of papier mâché, but this time, use paper towels instead of newspaper.
    • If you are using a store bought mask, you can try lifting the plaster mask off of the plastic base.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    While not absolutely necessary, this will give you a nice base to work off of. Coat the mask with 1 layer of white acrylic craft paint or white spray paint, then let it dry. Apply another layer if the paper towels still show through. [16]
    • Use a synthetic taklon paintbrush to apply the acrylic craft paint. Don't use camelhair or boar bristle.
    • Apply spray paint in a well-ventilated area. Keep the can 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) from the mask.
    • For a smoother finish, apply a few coats of white gesso. Let it dry, then sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. Anything between 180- and 320-grit will do.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Mask
    Once your base layer is dry, you can paint or decorate your mask to your heart's content. For example, you could sketch designs out with a pencil, then fill them in with acrylic craft paint and a thin, pointed brush. [17] Here are some more ideas to get you started:
    • Paint the mask to make it look like an animal, a samurai, or a kabuki mask.
    • Use hot glue or tacky glue to adhere embellishments to the mask, such as rhinestones, feathers, or sequins.
    • Decorate the mask with glitter glue. Alternatively, draw designs with white school glue, then sprinkle glitter on top.
    • Coat a painted mask with glossy acrylic sealer to make it look glazed.
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    Use a hole puncher to make a hole on each side of the mask at about ear level. Cut two 22 in (56 cm) pieces of string, then tie each string to each hole. Fit the mask over your face, then tie the strings together into a bow at the back of your head.
    • If you prefer a decorative mask, hammer a nail into the wall, then hang the mask from the nail.
    • Use thin ribbon for a fancier mask. Match the color to the embellishments on your mask.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I make metal mask?
    Community Answer
    That would be very, very hard. Shaping metal requires things like blacksmithing equipment and extreme temperatures. There are good ways to make any of the above masks look metallic, though. First, make your mask, then wrap the entire thing in aluminum duct tape. Then, spray black spray paint onto the mask in blotches and patches. When the paint dries, sand it down. This will create a steely texture on the mask.
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  • Question
    Is there a way to make a mask that I can wear with their glasses?
    Community Answer
    You will just have to take the size of your glasses into account when making your mask and make it a little bigger. Make sure that you make the eye holes big enough.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    Do I need to use newspaper when making a paper mache mask?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily, any type of extra paper lying around the house should do. A newspaper is just suggested because not very many people actually do anything with it, so it's good to recycle it to a new use.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      Making a Paper Mask

      • Paper
      • Cardstock
      • Measuring tape
      • Scissors
      • Craft blade
      • Pencil
      • Hole puncher
      • Paint
      • Embellishments (sequins, rhinestones, glitter, etc.)
      • Ribbon (optional)
      • 12 to 14 in (30 to 36 cm) dowel (optional)

      Making a Foil-Base Mask

      • Aluminum foil
      • Masking tape
      • Scissors
      • Newspaper
      • Paper towels
      • Flour
      • White school glue
      • White paint
      • Paint
      • Embellishments (sequins, rhinestones, glitter, etc.)
      • Ribbon (optional)


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qEt3DhILTA&feature=youtu.be&t=22s
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qEt3DhILTA&feature=youtu.be&t=45s
      3. ↑ https://krokotak.com/2016/01/how-to-make-a-mask-using-handprints/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qEt3DhILTA&feature=youtu.be&t=1m30s
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qEt3DhILTA&feature=youtu.be&t=1m43s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qEt3DhILTA&feature=youtu.be&t=1m48s
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qEt3DhILTA&feature=youtu.be&t=2m1s
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qEt3DhILTA&feature=youtu.be&t=2m37s
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qEt3DhILTA&feature=youtu.be&t=4m27s
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrZy1d-lLY&feature=youtu.be&t=30s
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrZy1d-lLY&feature=youtu.be&t=37s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrZy1d-lLY&feature=youtu.be&t=41s
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrZy1d-lLY&feature=youtu.be&t=59s
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrZy1d-lLY&feature=youtu.be&t=1m26s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrZy1d-lLY&feature=youtu.be&t=1m55s
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrZy1d-lLY&feature=youtu.be&t=2m41s
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrZy1d-lLY&feature=youtu.be&t=2m53s

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a mask, first measure your face and cut out a rectangular piece of paper based on your measurements. Next, fold the paper in half widthwise and trace the shape of a half-mask onto it so that the nose is on the fold. Draw eyeholes to see through, then cut out the mask using scissors. For a sturdier mask, you can back it with card stock before you decorate it with glitter glue, feathers, or sequins. Finally, punch a hole on either side of the mask and attach a ribbon to keep the mask on your face. For tips on making a mask with foil and papier mâché, read on!

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