How to Make Full Head Paper Mache Masks

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Things You'll Need

  • Balloon

  • Newspaper

  • Flour

  • Water

  • Salt

  • Mixing bowl

  • String

  • Pin

  • Scissors

  • Upholstery foam scraps

  • Hot glue gun

  • Paint

Make a full-head mask out of paper mache.

Halloween masks in a store are mass produced, meaning millions of people could be wearing the same one you are. If you would prefer to be more unique, you can make a mask out of paper mache. This mask will be a custom creation, not found anywhere else in the world. Your mask will fit over your entire head like a helmet, eliminating the need for wigs or other headwear.

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Step 1

Blow up a balloon until it is larger than your head.

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Step 2

Tear a newspaper into 6-inch strips.

Step 3

Make a paper mache paste out of equal parts flour and water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to prevent mold from growing in the future.

Step 4

Dip strips of newspaper into the paste and smooth them onto the balloon, covering it with overlapping pieces. You do not have to cover the nipple, this area will be cut open for the neck hole.

Step 5

Apply two more layers of paper mache to build up some thickness.

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Step 6

Dip more newspaper strips into the paste, but now scrunch them up and use them to build up facial features such as the nose, mouth and cheekbones.

Step 7

Apply a final layer of paper mache strips over the mask to smooth any lumpiness in the built-up facial features.

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Step 8

Tie a string to the balloon's nipple and hang it from the ceiling to dry. Spread some newspaper on the floor under it in case it drips.

Step 9

Pop the balloon with a pin once the mask has dried.

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Step 10

Cut a neck hole large enough to fit your head through with a pair of scissors. Cut eye holes as well.

Step 11

Hot glue scraps of upholstery foam to the inside of the mask as needed to pad it and make it fit your head more snugly.

Step 12

Paint the mask as desired with acrylic or tempera paints.

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