paper mache?

Question

son needs to make a paper mache mardi gras mask for french class. we need to know how to shape mask. thank you erin a.

Answer 1

You can use cardboard, fabric starch, newspaper and masking tape. Take two pieces of equally sized rectangular cardboard and tape together in the middle with three small strips of masking tape. Each side of the cardboard fits 1/2 of your face, bend the cardboard at an angle that allows each half to fit your face and run a strip of masking tape behind your head to keep the cardboard at the appropriate angle. (remove from your face to work on it)

Then you cut out the eyes with a box cutter, the mouth, build up eyebrows, lips, nose, etc. with newspaper that is masking-taped onto the cardboard. Cut the cardboard around the edges to make it round, oval, or wavy (how ever you want). Then cover with 3-4 layers of starch-dipped newspaper (make sure to keep it smooth) cover front and back. (leaving that strip of masking tape running across the back to keep it at the angle you want)

Once its dry you can paint, add glitter, feathers, etc. Tear of the tape in the back and add a couple pieces of yarn to tie on.

Answer 2

Blow up a balloon the size of a head. Water down elmer's white glue until it is the consis. of thick cream. Tear strips of newspaper and dip in glue squeeze off any extra and lay them criss-cross across half of the balloon. make a couple layers. Dry overnight in warm place. The paper should pull off the balloon at this point. Use scissors to shape the mask and add rolled paper and tape to build up features on the mask, cover these with more layers of paper mache and let dry as you go.

Paint with acrylic hobby paint and seal with a polyurethane spray.

Answer 3

Mould the papier Mache around a large ball. When it is 3/4 dry bend it into the shape you want,dry it slowly as it will crack.

Answer 4

large ball is good, balloon is better...after it dries completely just pop the balloon and dispose of it, and you have the mask form, just go from there.