Mask Maker, Mask Maker, Make me a Mask

Now that you know the joys of using a glue gun for costume design, why not check out this cool mask for your first glue gun project?

The Foam and Airball Mask Project made on a Plastic Base

To get started you will need:

• A plastic base mask from your local craft store
• cheesecloth or tobacco cloth
• craft scissors
• acrylic glaze
• flexible glue or white glue
• a hot glue gun
• pieces of foam
• cardboard, and poster board as the design calls for
• non-toxic paints
• festive embellishments like feathers, faux flowers or rhinestones as you desire.

Next, take your plastic mask and mark and cut it according to the design you've drawn. Using your foam, cardboard, or poster board, cut and shape pieces to comprise the 3-D portions of the mask and use your glue gun to attach them. Make sure your glue gun is on the "cool" setting when you do this attaching.

Now, take your tobacco or cheesecloth and lay it over the mask, stretching it over the 3-D parts. Use your glue gun to seal a few places with hot glue so the cloth won't move. Tuck the perimeter of the mask under and attach with your glue gun, being careful not to stretch the cloth too tightly. You want to seal it in place with your glue gun while retaining some of the wrinkly, pliable texture, as well as leaving a little excess material available to be tucked into the crevasses.

Now, trim off the excess and use either an acrylic glaze or glue to soak the cloth and use a paint brush to tuck the cloth into the crevasses. Let dry.

Once your mask is dry, paint the surface in the colors and design you desire and let dry again.

Lastly, use your glue gun to festoon your mask with festive additions like feathers, ribbons, rhinestones, artificial leaves, etc.

Once it dries, try your freshly-made mask out in the mirror to admire your work.

This project idea taken from: The Costumer's Manifesto-COSTUMER.ORG