Making masks is a great activity for kids particularly if the mask is of their own face. Using plaster gauze to make a replica of their face is quick and easy, even though it does tend to get a little messy. Clean up requires simple soap and water and the mask hardens within 24 hours. Young children love to paint or decorate the mask and then try it on to see if it really fits.
Instructions
1. Brush hair away from the face and secure with pins. Place a smock or protective clothing on the child and seat them in a chair facing you. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the face being sure to cut holes for breathing.
2. Cut the plaster gauze into 4 to 6-inch sections. Dip a section into tepid water to soften. Smooth away excess plaster with your finger and apply to the face over the plastic wrap. Continue to add strips until the entire face is covered with one layer. Use care not to cover the nostrils and mouth opening. Wet your fingers and smooth any rough or wrinkled areas.
3. Add a second layer of plaster gauze following the same procedure. You can add as many layers as you wish. Some children may become to restless to wait for more layers to be applied, but most can remain calm for two layers. Smooth any rough edges. Allow it to dry for 5 to 10 minutes. The plaster will begin to lighten and the surface will stiffen.
4. Gently remove the plaster form the face by lifting on the edges of the plastic wrap. Place it on newspapers to complete the drying process. Crumple several sheets of newspaper to create a ball for the mask to rest on and to maintain its shape while drying.
5. Touch up the nose and mouth by adding strips of wetted gauze. Smooth in place and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
6. Paint with acrylic paints once the mask is completely dry. Trim the edges with a pair of scissors and smooth with wetted fingers if necessary.
Related posts
Face molds are made in many cultures, for many reasons.The making of face molds, or "life masks," for ceremonial use, religious rituals and art has been a common practice in many culture...
Create personal masks with plaster and newspaper.Make a mask using a live person as a model. Use newspaper strips dipped in a plaster of Paris mixture and apply the strips to a model's face that h...
Neoprene masks are durable theatrical costumes that provides comfortable yet dramatic transformations of the characters. Neoprene masks are cast on molds, so multiple sets of masks can be uniforml...
Make Plaster of Paris MasksPlaster of Paris is an excellent material to use for making masks. Take an afternoon to make a mold of your face and you can have it to display, or pour clay into it to...
make Plaster CraftsPlaster crafts are made with Plaster of Paris. It can be purchased at most hardware stores and some discount stores.Instructions1. Pour 60% Plaster of Paris 40% water this gives...
