From action.RAN.org

from showcaseminnesota.com

Grade Level: 4th Grade and older

Materials: Cardboard sheet, cut large enough to hold desired size mask Newspaper to crunch into ball the size of the mask you want to make Newspaper and brown paper, ripped in strips Cornstarch paste (recipe below) Plastic bags and plastic wrap Clay (5 lbs) Vaseline (optional) Base color paint Assorted colors of paint (tempra or acrylic) Elastic band to affix to mask

Tools Needed:Scissors, Brushes, Exactor Knife, Stapler, White glue

Paper Mache Glue: (cornstarch mixture) 2 ½ C. cornstarch 1 qt. cold water 5 qt. boiling water

Mix cornstarch in cold water, add boiling water, whisk till thickened. Cool.

Preparation: Make newspaper ball and tape in place with masking tape. Cover with plastic bag, tape shut, place on cardboard. Cover entire mask with thin layer of clay. Sculpt image, adding clay to make nose, eyebrows, cheeks etc. Wash clay off hands. Don't wash it down sink, it will clog plumbing. Coat mask with a thin layer of Vaseline or cover tightly and completely with plastic wrap. Papier-mache your mask with newspaper and brown paper, dipping into corn starch mixture. Alternate layers of paper until you have 4-5 layers of papier mache covering the mask. End with layer of brown paper. Dry 24 hours. When completely dry, lift mask off the clay. This might be a bit of a struggle, but the hardened mask should come off the clay base. Once mask is removed, use strips of brown paper to papier mache around the edges to strengthen the mask. When mask is dry, trim off jagged edges and place over mask-wearer for fit. With a pencil, mark where the eyes will be; use Exacto knife to cut eyeholes in mask and small breathing holes for nose. Coat mask with a thin layer of white or beige base paint. Dry thoroughly. Paint remainder of mask. Use light colors first; finish with brighter colors. Remember the eyes are the most important element of a mask and should stand out. Measure elastic bands to fit mask wearer, and glue and staple them to mask sides. If desired, foam can be glued into inside of mask for comfort and a better fit.