Milking it! Easy Paper Mache Masks

Ahhhh....Paper Mache!  Remember art when you were in grade school?  I just loved paper mache and was always eager to get messy when these projects were on the agenda.  Of course, back then, we used chicken coop wire to form the project base, which was a total pain to manipulate when I was 10.  Then we added copious layers of ooey-gooey newspaper mess to that in the hope the project would slightly resemble the item we were making.  Those were the days....

Now, paper mache is so much easier:  we have options!  We did a paper mache project at camp a couple of weeks ago.  For that project, we started with a simple balloon as the base of the project then added layer upon layer of mache'd newspaper to get our final layer of white paper.  Admittedly, I find the balloon base is still not the easiest to start with unless your finished project is meant to be balloon shaped!

This Saturday, we're making Paper Mache Masks.  I have tribal masks in mind, myself, because I actually collect wood tribal masks so I'm biased.  But the kids will always make it their own.  I won't be surprised if Darth Vader or a Lion show up!  

Balloons can still be a great base for a mask; the trick is to get it to the right diameter to fit over your face.  It's tricky and not something for the feint of heart or the inexperienced.  Of course, for the uber experienced, you could cover your face in vaseline and go from there, but, really, ick!

For this week's project we are going to use, of all things, a milk jug for the base!  Super simple and nice and clean. In fact, using a plastic bottle as your base is a great way to start a lot of different projects.  Use your imagination and go nuts.  I've seen dolphins, pinatas, and more made from pop bottle bases that are to die for.

So, to make your mask from the milk jug, take your jug and cut it in half using a good, strong pair of scissors or a craft knife.  Do this from the top to the bottom, leaving the jug's handle centred on one of the halves.  The handle will become the nose!  Then, determine where your eyes should be (usually about an inch from the bottom of the nose) and then cut shaped slits in that location.  Finally, cut holes on the sides (ear-ish area) to allow you to use a string or elastic to be strung across the back to hold it on your head.  When you are layering your mache on the base, be sure you don't cover the holes!

What about the paste?  There are so many options to choose from and everyone seems to have a personal favourite.  The easiest ones to use, of course, are the no-cook methods.  I've tried the flour and water pastes.... this takes a lot of re-stirring to keep the consistency of the mix.  When we didn't keep the mix mixed at camp, we ended up with clumps of flour in our "paste" that created bumps on the exterior of our project and it attracted bugs.  Not ideal.

The absolute simplest recipe for the mache paste I've found and liked using was this:  3 parts cheap white glue to 1 part room temp water (if you're using a good quality white glue, you can reduce the glue and do a 50/50 mix).  I also find this paste will dry the quickest.  Our classes are only 2 hours long and drying time is a crucial consideration!

Let me tell you though, if you can find liquid starch in your area, it makes the absolute best paste going.  It can be hard to find, but the results are absolutely worth it.   Just a brown paper bag turns to a beautiful colour and texture, similar to a leather; just gorgeous!

Here are some tips for working a paper mache project that make the whole experience better for everyone:

• work in an area that is easy to clean up
• protect your work area with a tarp, wax paper, saran or other plastic-y product
• add a couple of tablespoons of salt to your paste to reduce the chances of mold developing in your project if going with one of the flour/cornstarch recipes
• Humidity is the enemy!  If you live in a humid area or are working during a humid time, reduce the amount of water in your paste
• tear newspaper into strips approximately 1" by 6" for maximum maneuverability
• use plain white paper strips for the final layer so you don't have to use as much paint to decorate (the printing on newspaper may show through)
• apply your layers in opposite directions (i.e. horizontal first layer, then vertical second, then horizontal....I think you get it); this ensure maximum coverage and strength for your project
• use at least 2 layers, but not more than 4:  kids will usually overlap more than necessary, so for kids, let's say 2 or 3 layers at most! LOL
• If using a hard base, like a milk jug or water bottle, you can use fewer layers of mache because the strength is built in by the base
• always allow the layers to dry completely before adding the next layer;  you can assist the process by placing the project on a greased cookie sheet in the oven.  SET THE OVEN TEMP NO HIGHER THAN WARM (approx 170°F)
• if you are making a project that will hang, don't forget to plan the hanger:  tie a loop of string to a paper clip.  Tape the paper clip onto the frame of the project before you start mache-ing.  Mache over top of the paper clip.  Make sure not to mache over the string loop.  Tie your rope onto the loop to hang your project.  (Ideal for pinata's)

 Wish us luck with our projects this weekend.  Today was certainly the hottest day of the summer and the humidity really made it unbearable.  The forecast isn't stellar for the weekend, so fingers crossed these work out!  I'll be sure to post pictures of our results.

Until next time:  Inspire...Imagine...Invent!