Homemade Mardi Gras Mask Using Paper Mash

Mardi Gras is known for unusual and flamboyant masks and costumes. Flamboyant masks found in many retail outlets are very expensive. Make your own flamboyant Mardi Gras mask from recycled paper. All supplies necessary to complete the project are found at hobby and craft stores. The most expensive part of creating the mask is purchasing the feathers. A homemade mask will range from $10 to $50. Allow a minimum of two days to complete a Mardi Gras mask made with paper mash.

Paper mash is a homemade paper with the addition of wheat flour and mouthwash. The wheat flour helps to turn the mixture into a clay-like substance. The mouthwash prevents the mixture from molding. Once dried, the paper mash may be sanded and painted. The appearance will look similar to porcelain. White paper will look the most like porcelain prior to sanding and painting. Any color of paper will work to make paper mash.

Things You’ll Need:

Newspaper
Water
Strainer
Blender
Wheat flour
Measuring cups
Mouthwash
Mask mold
Sandpaper
Acrylic paint
Artist paintbrushes
Acrylic spray sealer
White glue
Glitter
Feathers
Hot glue gun
Hot glue sticks

Instructions:

Step 1 – Tear the newspaper into 1-inch strips approximately 4-inches long. Soak the torn strips in warm water for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 2 – Add 1 cup wet paper strips, 1 cup warm water, ½-cup wheat flour and 1/8-cup mouthwash to a blender. Blend the mixture approximately 3 minutes. The mixture should be smooth with no large noticeable pieces of paper. If you can still see paper strips, blend another 2 minutes.

Step 3 – Pour the contents of the blender into a strainer. Drain the excess water from the paper mash mixture.

Step 4 – Press the mixture onto the surface of the mask mold. Set the completed mold aside to dry for 24 hours. Make additional paper mash if required.

Step 5 – Remove the mask from the mold. Sand the surface of the mask until it is as smooth as porcelain.

Step 6 – Paint the face of the mask with the desired colors and design. After the paint is thoroughly dried, spray the surface with three to five coats of acrylic spray sealer.

Step 7 – Squeeze lines of glue or cover the areas of the mask to create the desired pattern for the glitter. Sprinkle glitter over the glued area. Allow the glue to dry completely before continuing.

Step 8 – Turn the mask face down. Place the feathers in the desired location. Squeeze a line of hot glue over the ends of the feathers to hold in place.

Secure the mask to a handle or create a band to hold the mask on the face. Hang the mask for decoration at a Mardi Gras party.


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