130--Paper Mache Masks/..and Beyond! Lesson Plan

Paper Mache Masks and Beyond--Grades K (with help) and Up

This is a wonderful technique that can be used in so many ways. I use art paste (methyl cellulose) which doesn’t get moldy or stinky like flour and water does.

Aims: To make an original, wearable mask
To explore the use of paper mache

Materials & Tools
newspaper (lots of it)
masking tape
scissors
odds and ends to use for the underbody (styrofoam cups, cardboard pieces, egg cartons, foil, etc. etc.
art paste
bowl or bucket for “slime”
For painting: tempera paint (or acrylic)
brushes
Optional: pipe cleaners, feathers, raffia, yarn, tissue paper, fabrics and other decorative items

Procedure: Motivate your students with pictures of masks from the culture you are studying. There are numerous examples from all over Africa, New Guinea and Oceania, Eskimo, Asian Indian, American Indian, etc.

To construct the mask, form a loose bunch of newspapers into the size you want the mask and tape it together. Tape on objects to make the form three dimensional--eyes might be egg carton pieces or coffee cup bottoms. Make sure it is very three-dimensional. Add ears, horns, a beard, etc. with cardboard or styrofoam. Use scrunched-up foil to form shapes, too. It doesn’t have to look good at this stage; it just has to hold together for the covering process. Look at the mask in profile and make sure you have enough things sticking out to make it sculptural.

To paper mache, cover your work area. Mix several tablespoons of art paste into water. A little will go along way. Use you hand to mix and get rid of any small lumps. It will thicken in a few minutes and you may then have to add more water.

Rip lots of newspaper into strips, along the grain. Make them mostly medium-sized--about 1-1/2” by 4 or 5 inches. You’ll need tons of them.

When you are ready to paper mache, dip each piece in the art paste mixture, scissor off with your fingers so it doesn’t drip too much and smack down, going over the piece a few times to make sure it conforms to the outline of your shapes. You’ll need about 3 or 4 layers for a strong mask. Go every which way, not just in one direction. Patting down is key for the surface to look good.

When dry, take out the “guts”. Sometimes you’ll need to cut around the back edges with scissors to pull out the form. You can use an exacto knife to cut out eye slits or nostrils, which you only need if you are going to wear it.

If you are painting you mask a light color, putting on a coat of white first will help block out the newspaper print. References of painted masks will help your students paint their masks more beautifully. Details are important to add at this point.

You may use hot glue to add decorative items like yarn, tissue paper or feathers.

Variations can include covering balloons or other objects to make bowls or constructing free-standing figures or animals.