Paper Mache Masks for Kids

Letting children create paper Mache masks is a great way to motivate kids in making their own unique masks and displaying their artistic skills. Kids would love to use their home-made masks for parties, as dress-up accessories, for decorating their rooms and even as Halloween crafts. Kids can make some astonishing paper crafts by using paper Mache paste. Paper Mache face masks are considered one of the most popular paper Mache projects, which are used in theme parties, fancy dress competitions and on similar fun occasions. Once you get an idea of how to make paper Mache masks, you can experiment with some variations and make unique masks that go with different outfits, depending on the party theme. For making paper Mache masks for kids, you would first need to make the paper Mache. You can learn how to make these masks by referring to the below-mentioned paper Mache masks ideas. Read more on kids’ art activities.

How to Make Paper Mache?

Cut old newspapers into small strips of approximately 2x8 inches. It is recommended to utilize any paper, except the glossy portion. Make a mixture of white flour and warm water in a big plastic bowl, add a teaspoonful of salt to it, and mix all the contents to form a paste. You are now required to add the paper strips to this mixture. Read more on:

How to Make Paper Mache
Paper Mache Instructions

Paper Mache Masks - How to Make Them?

For making paper Mache masks for kids, the first step you need to take is to fill air in a toy balloon. Just ensure that the size of the inflated balloon is equivalent to that of a face. Put a plastic tablecloth on the table, prior to commencing work on this creative project.

Position the dipped paper strips individually on the balloon. Make sure that the strips overlap in a proper manner, so that the surface of the balloon is not visible. Overlay the complete balloon with one full layer of paper. This can be really messy; however, the mess is worth the fun involved.

After overlaying the balloon entirely, start putting another layer of dipped paper strips. Once you're finished with the second layer, do the same for the third layer. Let dry until it indurate. If you want, you can put extra layers too. After it dries out completely, it will form the basic shape. The next step you need to take is to pop the balloon by using a pin or a pair of scissors, and just take out the balloon. Doing so would give you a hollow paper Mache ball.

You then need to cut the paper Mache in two vertical halves. You can use the two parts to make two separate masks. You now need to cut out two oval holes for the eyes and cut a slit for the mouth using scissors. The paper Mache may be a bit hard because of the multiple layers, so you can utilize a sharp razor knife. You are now required to apply more paper Mache layers over the cut edges and make two slits on both sides for ears. With more paper Mache, you can create a nose, brows and ears in different shapes as you like, similar to a clown.

Soak laundry lint in the paper Mache paste and utilize it for brows, mustaches, horns, and similar other kinds of additional decorations. It is suggested to paint the mask using non-toxic water paints. You can include cosmetic items such as sparkles or straw hair using gum. Apply paint to the complete mask first, and then begin with the detailing of the eyes, nose, brows and other decorative design additions. It is recommended that you use white acrylic paint for putting on the base coat. Read more on:

Paper Mache Projects and Recipes
Kids Crafts

This is just the standard procedure for making paper Mache masks for kids. However, you have the option of trying out different sizes, shapes, colors and other embellishments on the masks to make them more decorative and funny.

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