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How 2 Make a Whimsical Doll Mask

doll mask hanging 1If you have never worked with paper mache this is a great beginner's project. Paper mache is very easy to work with at any age, very inexpensive and can be completed within a couple days.

Super Easy Mask

We will create an over sized doll mask to use as a wall decoration in any child's room. You can get your children involved for added fun and good times.

Watch the "How 2 Make A Mask Video" on our YouTube Channel to answer any questions you may have.

Create Your Doll Mask Armature

balloon armatureFirst, you will need a work space where you can leave your mask to sit over night and dry. You will need to prepare your paper strips and paper mache paste for stripping. Tear your newspaper into 1.2" inch strips and make your paste

Start by blowing up your 20" balloon to use as your doll mask armature.  

You will dip each strip into the paste and slide the strip between your fingers to knock off the excessive paste. Place your wet strips onto your balloon and rub out any air bubbles; you want it nice and tight against the balloon.

mask clean upLay three to four layers of strips to create your mask armature, and then set it aside to dry completely over night.

Then next day your mask will be completely dry, now add 20 more layers of paper mache strips to your mask armature. I thin out the strips toward the edges of my mask so it is easy to cut later. I cut an approximately 1 inch off around the edge after all my newspaper layers are dry.

 

paper mache artist charisseSet this aside and let it dry completely, it is important that it is dry. You will have to give this a full day to dry inside. You cannot put your balloon outside to dry because it will pop on you.

These layers will dry and you will have a rock solid mask. The doll mask will be approximately 1/4" thick, WOW! Did I mention it is a great way to recycle your old newspapers? It is Green.

 

Creating Your Doll Mask

paper mache mask holesCut your mask down to the size you would like, leaving a nice clean edge. Again strip the edge to give it a nice finish look. 

I like to draw my eyes and mouth, to get placement and work from there to create the holes. I drilled my holes after the mask was completely dry.

 

You can just mark on your balloon to leave as holes and not cover them with strips but I like to use power tools.

drill holesTear small strips of news paper to lay over all the rough edges for a nice finished look.

Prime Your Mask Canvas

I use Gesso to prime my mask surface for adding acrylic paints. You can use white paint as well, it shouldn't hurt a thing.

www.dickblick.com

Painting Your Doll Face

eye detailMost certainly paint your doll face with whimsical bright red lips. It is a perfect chance to add color.

All the paint that I use is acrylic.

Create your eyes by using the eye holes as black pupils, it works well. Then give your mask any color eyes you desire, I wanted baby blue. I accented her eyes with navy, and added a little white paint to the brush to give her eye a sparkle.

To create a small eyelid or look of shading, mix brown and white, apply to just above her black liner. You merely want to give the appearance of a shadow. Let this dry completely before adding lashes and use black paint to create her beautiful long lashes.

Take some brown and add a cute button nose, I have created my doll mask to look like the rag dolls I make.rosey cheeks

To give your doll mask rosy cheeks use red paint with just a touch of white and swirl it around until you have pink blush and apply cute cheeks. Think of it as applying your makeup.

After your painted mask face has completely dried, you can add a clear coat of acrylic varnish for protection and shine.

matte finish 2

Add your bright ribbon and hang in your special little child's room.ribbon

Beautiful and Whimsical

 

I hope that you enjoyed this article and how to video as much as I enjoyed making it, and I can't wait 2 see all the cute Doll Mask you guys are going to create and share with us.

 

Like us, we like you.

 

Thank you; see you at the whimsy studio.

 

Mask Materials and Recipedoll eye brows

Materials Need

20" Balloon

News paper strips

Paste (flour, water, & salt)

Acrylic Paints and Brushes

Ribbon

 

Paper Mache Paste Recipe

1 Cup Water

1/2 Cup Flour All Purpose Self Rising

Dash of Salt

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until creamy, not too creamy.

 

In the United States all these ingredients can be picked up easily, I do hope that is the case where you live and it is so nice to welcome you here.

 

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