Friday, December 25, 2009

How to make a Halloween mask?

Its the start of September and I am wanting to make a nice costume for Halloween. Something like ';The Lord of Darkness'; from the movie ';Legend'; with Tom Cruise. I don't have 2-300 dollars to spend on making molds and latex so anything professional like that is out. Anyone have any cheap alternatives or ideas like making it out of styrofoam or somehting like that?


any info would help


thanxHow to make a Halloween mask?
I have two ideas for you. The instructions to both are going to be pretty long. So I'm going to only type out one for you. If you'd like to hear the other one then email me at krgr_1428@yahoo.com with the subject ';Halloween'; or ';Legend'; anything to let me know who you are.





One idea is to make a paper mache mask. Pretty easy. And pretty cheap. The other idea which, you probably wont be interested in, is to do ';Devil'; type make up. It involves a bald cap, ear pieces and horns, which you can buy cheap anywhere and apply with spirit gum or latex adhesive. All cheap and easy to work with but not sure you want to bugger with it. So I'm going to give you the instructions for paper mache. If you want to hear the other email me.





For paper mache masks you will need:


a round balloon


newspaper


paper mache glue


plastic wrap


paint





Make sure you cover you work surface well. I usually set down newspaper first and then wax paper or plastic wrap on top of the newspaper.





Decide what size and shape of mask or head you want and choose the appropriate sized balloon. Blow up the balloon and tie it closed. Find a bowl or cup your balloon can sit in while you work on it. Completely cover the cup or bowl with plastic wrap so the paper mache does not stick to it. Also cover the table or work surface under the cup with the plastic wrap. Set your balloon in the cup or bowl and set it aside.





Tear several newspaper pages into strips. You will want them 1 inch wide and about 6 - 8 inches long. Set them aside





Use a large bowl to prepare your paper mache paste The paste will be sticky! I would suggest using a bowl that is easy to soak and clean (glass perhaps) or even a disposable bowl. Now you are ready to start with the paper mache.





Dip the newspaper strips into the glue and spread them onto the balloon. cover the balloon. Set aside and let this first layer dry





Once the first layer is completely dry, use various supplies to make the facial features on your ballooen if desired. You can make a nose, ears, thick eye brows, lips, etc. Use cardboard, masking tape, foil Use masking tape to hold everything in place.





You cna builf up certain areas with paper and tape or wahtever to make horns and that big devil type chin.





Add atleast two more layers of paper mache to your balloon. Allow each layer to dry completely before putting on the next layer





You can now paint and decorate your mask or face as desired. You can add hair using yarn, thin scraps of material, or anything else you desire.





To make a more realistic shaped face, make as above except use a double layer of tin foil instead of a balloon. Use your face as a mold. Have someone help you gently press the tin foil to your face to get a nice face mold. Wad up newspaper and put it inside the curved section of the foil mold and lay it on your work surface. While applying the first layer of newspaper and paste, make sure not to press on your mold too hard or it will lose it shapes!





Hope I helped! Good luck :)





-EDIT-





Almost forgot to tell you how to make the paste! There are two that I've used:





flour and water


Mix one part flour with about 2 parts of water until you get a consistancy like thick glue. Add more water or flour as necessary. Mix well to get out all the bumps. Add a few tablespoons of salt to help prevent mold!





You can use regular glue mixed with a bit of water. Mix using about 1 part water with 2 parts glue





I've seen paper mache paste in craft stores but its easier and cheaper to just make your own.

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