Making Paper Mache Masks

By Bantiarna Brighid inghean Chonchobhair ui Neill (mka Camilla Rupp)
June 2009

 

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Unto all it is proclaimed to all who reside in the exalted Kingdom of Trimaris, His Royal Highness Anridire Tearlach An Cait Dhu and Her Royal Highness Slaine inghean Fiachrach Fionn shall ascend to the throne at Fall Coronation. Such a glorious event shall be celebrated with a bal masque reminescent of a magnificent Italian renaissance Carnival spectacular.

All suitably dressed gentles clad in their finest garb shall be donning a mask for the jubulation. Traditionally masks would have been made of leather shaped over a clay form. They would also have been made of strips of paper or linen using mache. Should you find yourself without the lastest fashion accessory you simply must have to complete your ensemble, do not fret. With an ever-so-slight amount of preparation prior to the bal masque, you can craft a paper mache mask in time to dazzle all who cast their eyes on you.

Materials Needed:
* Plastic bowl with lid
* Paper linen, or "Rigid Wrap" which is a plaster of paris infused gauze roll available at your local craft store (if using paper: newspaper, craft paper or white computer paper will work for first layer. White computer paper works well for the second layer as it is easy to paint)
* Newspaper to cover your work area
* Scissors and/or craft knife
* Petroleum jelly
* Straws for the nostrils if you are making a full facial mask
* Paste if you are using paper or linen (It can be glue which is slightly watered down or a flour, water and salt mixture)
* Decorations such as paint, feathers, crystals, gold or silver leaf, etc

Directions:

  1. If using a glue mixture, add a slight amount of water to white craft clue (Elmer’s is fine), If using a flour, water and salt mixture, combine one part flour to five parts water. Put into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for three minutes. To prevent the formation of mold, add two or three tablespoons of salt. Allow the paste to cool before using. If using "Rigid Wrap", skip this step.
  2. While you are waiting for the paste to cool, gently tear paper into strip 1 inch by 6-8 inches. The more jagged the edge, the better as this allows the pieces to adhere to each other. If using "Rigid Wrap", cut strips approximately the same size.
  3. Cover work station with newspaper.
  4. Pull hair away from the face and secure. Slather a generous portion of petroleum jelly over the face. Put straws in nostrils if making a full face mask.
  5. Carefully cover the face with torn strips of paper in horizontal stripes and overlapping the strips slightly. Newspaper, craft paper or white computer paper will work. A helper will be beneficial for this step. Avoid covering the eyes.
  6. Gently remove the mask from the face. Allow it to dry.
  7. Sculpt the mask to the desired shape using the scissors and the craft knife.
  8. When first layer is completely dry, add second layer. Apply the strips in a slightly angled horizontal, overlapping slightly. Allow to dry. Shape again if necessary.
  9. Paint and decorate as you desire.

Note:
Each layer will take 24-48 hours dry. During this time, the paste mixture should be refrigerated. To use after refrigerating, simply microwave for one minute and allow mixture to cool before using.

Fall Coronation and the bal masque shall be here anon. With a small amount of preparation prior to the event, you shall be able to revel in the wonder of the event wearing a one-of-a-kind eye-catching fashion accessory which perfectly matches both your garb and your personality.

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Permission is granted to reproduce this announcement in its entirety in newsletters, websites and electronic mailing lists.

Camilla Rupp is married to Jeff and is a mother of three unique kids. She works as a legal secretary.
Her persona, Bantiarna Brighid ingheam Chonchhobhair uinheill, is living in Tulaigh Mhor, Ireland, in the mid Fourteen century.
JsDirtWtch@aol.com