fox mask 1
Ever since I saw this zebra mask / vintage dress photo on Dress a Day, I've wanted one of my own. I'm in this odd in-between state where I like to share my sewing projects, but not over-share with photos of faces. A mask would be a cute way to avoid having to crop my head out all the time. And that's cute, not creepy. I think. People keep telling me it's weird.
It's pretty easy to do, most of the internet has the same following steps.
1. Armature
Use 2-3 layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil, and mold it to your face, marking the corners of your eyes. Add details like snouts and ears ... I did a bit of clipping and taping for curves to stick on. Cut out the eyes, and the general shape of things. Check it out in the mirror.
2. Prep paper mache
Rip newspaper strips; they will rip easily in 1 direction. I think I went through 3 or 4 pages of Barrons. Make paste by boiling 1:5 parts flour:water + a teeny bit of salt, mixing lots while bringing it to a boil .. I found that ~1/8 cup of flour was enough. This will make a nice gel (don't use the no-boil recipes, they will flake when dry.)
3. Paper mache away
Lay a piece of saran wrap over the foil so it doesn't stick. You should remember how to do the rest from elementary school. Tips: Let each layer dry before you put on another one. I made 2 layers, then removed it from the foil and trimmed the edges and eye holes.
After that, I did 2 inside+outside layers, being sure to go over the edges to smooth them out. Ripping small tears in your strip in the same way you'd clip a curve in sewing helps things lie nicely along a curve (i.e. rip perpendicular to the curve). When the mask is wet, you can kind of mold it back into shape -- it will want to flatten. As it's drying, try laying it on top of or inside the foil to help keep its shape, maybe with the help of rubber bands around the snout.
4. Finishing
Paint it. Punch holes for an elastic band. Tada! No pictures of that yet, because I can't find my white acrylic paint.
Other animal mask ideas: raccoon, bunny, owl.
See also: fox mask 2