Mask Making

As a Theatre teacher, I have tried many different methods of mask making and this has been the most successful

Step 1: Get the following supplies:

Tin foil
Paper towel
Duct tape
Elmers glue (or any kind of kid-friendly white glue)
paint
paint brushes
one-inch ribbon
stapler

Step 2: Making the mold with tin foil

gather 10 one-foot by five foot sheets of tin foil (depending on how large you want the mask)
each students needs to mold the foil sheets onto his/her face (note: really have them mold the foil into their eye sockets and nose. Otherwise, it appears flat)
have them help each other draw circles where the eyes are. Then have them draw a line where there head and cheeks are (again, this depends on how large you want the mask)
Have them cut out the eyes and the outline of the face

Step 3: Layering the newspaper

Rip newspaper into approximately 1-inch strips
In a bowl, pour 2 cups water to 1 cup glue and mix

Note: DO NOT use the flour and water mix. Since flour is a food, it attracts mold and fruit flies.

Dip one strip at a time into he glue mixture, stripping the newspaper of extra water and apply to tin foil mask (front and back will make it more sturdy)

Note: I like at least five layers of newspaper strip

Allow to dry for one or two days

Step 4: Layering of paper towel

Using a similar method as the newspaper application, rip paper towel into strips.
Dip strips into glue mixutre
Apply two layers vertically, then horizontally to mask.
Allow to dry for one or two days

Note: If you are in a hurry, students can blow dry the masks.

Step 4: Paint your mask

There is no specific method to this. It's whatever your and your student's preference is.

Note: Acrylic paint works best but Tempura can work as well.

Step 5: Applying the ties

Cut ribbon into foot long strips
Apply to sides of dried mask using duct tape
staple them as well to make them extra secure.

Note: I prefer ribbon over string as it's stronger and more comfortable on the ears.

Below is a video that illustrates this lesson with slight alterations (I would turn off the music as it's a bit too much). Also, I've included photos of masks made recently for our Greek inspired plays.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR MASKS!!