Thursday 26 April 2012

How to create mask with plaster bandage?



Mask-making is a fun project for groups of all ages, but it can be simple enough for third graders. The basic shape is molded with plaster bandages on the plastic face mask.
Decide if you want a full face mask, a half-mask just over the eyes and nose. 
List of supplies for a basic plaster mask


White Flocked Plastic Face Masks
<<Get the masks online            
Plaster bandage. This can be bought in a roll from a medical supply house or in pre-cut strips from craft stores.
Petroleum jelly.
Dish or pan of water.
Drinking straws, cut into 3-4 inch lengths
Newspaper or plastic to protect the work surface
Newspaper or paper towels to wad into supports for drying mask
Towel to protect clothing
String to hang it with or ribbon to use as tie

For Decoration:
Gesso, varnish or other surface preparation
Glue, or hot glue gun and glue sticks
Paints, make-up, markers, or color crayons

Process:
Cut the plaster bandages into strips suitable for the plastic face mask; 2"-4" lengths usually work.
Cover the  plastic face mask with petroleum jelly all over


Dip the bandage strips into the water, gently remove excess water, and begin to cover the  plastic face mask. Do not go too far under the nose if you make just half mask
As you work, smooth any rough bandage edges with your wet fingers.
Once the  plastic face mask is covered, let it dry for about ten minutes before you try to remove it.
When the plaster dried (better to work on next day),  release the mask from the plastic base
The mask can be sanded with fine sandpaper or emery boards to create an artistic surface.
If you want to decorate your mask with paints, feathers, glued-on accessories like beads, chains, or natural finds (leaves, decorative grasses, dried flowers) protect it with gesso, varnish, or other material to keep the paint from soaking into the plaster.

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