how do you make paper mache theater masks?

Answer 1

Paper mache is just paper cut into strips or pulp "glued" together with a binding agent.

Traditionally you would make it with hot water, flour and a pinch of salt. But to make things easier you can most likely just use watered down white glue.

Use an inflated balloon as a support and just start building up layers of paper until you get it into the shape and thickness you want. Make sure you leave holes for the mouth, eyes and nostrils.

HOWEVER... since that is such a pain in the butt.. and not exactly molded to the face, I would recomend doing a plaster cast. Very simple. Put Vasline on the areas to be cast (don't wrap anything other wise it has to be cut off and destoyed) and then dip plaster bandages in water and apply directly to the face. Build up a couple of layers again leaving room for the eyes and mouth, you can stick straws up your nose to keep holes there, and then once it's dry you can sand it down to make it nice and smooth and ready to decorate.

If you are doing this with small children that might not be the best idea... but it's up to you. You can get plaster bandages at most art supplie stores or pharmacys, and it's realitivly in expessive and neat. Be careful though becuase plaster dust is a known carcenogin and you should were a mast when dealing with the dry ingredients or when you are sanding it down.

I hope that helps you! Have fun with the mask's and best of luck!

Answer 2

Here is a site.
http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/Cathy-Greek.htm
And here are some more:
http://www.draegonfire.com/Masks.htm
http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/Files/masks.htm
http://pbskids.org/africa/mask/
http://nyny.essortment.com/plastermask_razf.htm
http://www.fxsupply.com/mask/mask.html
http://painting.about.com/
http://www.mendels.com/mask.html
http://www.library.yale.edu/~lso/drama/mask.html
Hope this helps!

Answer 3

How?