Mask Making by Katherine Field McDavitt

           

Growing up some of my favorite activities to do with my mom were art projects. My mom always had great new ideas to share with me. One project that I really enjoyed was making animal masks. I was in elementary school at the time and loved any sort of hands-on activity. These masks was not only enjoyable to make, they were also fun to play with. Mask making allows a child’s mind to wander and their imagination to grow. While making an animal mask children can imagine what type of environment their animal would be found, what their animal looks like, and maybe even how their animal feels. Does it live in the jungle or on a farm? Does the animal have big ears or short legs? Does it have fur or scales? It is these questions that get a child thinking critically about their project.

The masks that I made during my childhood can be made from grades two to six, ages six to twelve. However by altering parts of the project, mask making can be done at all ages. This is why it is so great for a child to learn the skill at a young age. Because the process is extremely hands-on children tend to stay engaged and interested throughout the project. Animal mask making allows children to learn about other cultures and new species.

In order to make these masks you will need balloons, masking tape, newspaper cut into strips, white glue, water, acrylic paint (several colors), paint brushes, large containers for mixture, small containers for paint and a craft knife or scissors. By including yarn and rocks and other tactile supplies children can create textures on their masks, making the project that much more exciting and hands on.

The project takes a little bit of preparation before the activity can begin. A glue mixture of half glue and half water needs to be mixed and newspaper strips need to be cut before the children can begin. The masks are formed from the shape of a balloon, however for older students the form can be molded out of clay and then covered with a plastic bag. You may want to blow the balloons up ahead of time to make the lesson run smoothly. Once everyone has a balloon students can begin dipping newspaper strips, one at a time, in the glue mixture. After any excess glue is wiped off of the strip the piece can be laid onto the balloon. This process continues until the entire balloon has been covered. Then the balloon must dry. Once dry the balloon needs to be covered one more time. Once the balloon is completely dry the teach needs to cut each balloon in half with an exacto knife. Each student gets a half a balloon. Next students use additional newspaper and masking tape to build up their animal’s facial features. The mask then needs to be covered with another layer of strips with the glue mixture. Once dry the students can paint their masks, first with a base color and then adding the details. Once paint is dry students can add other materials to the mask to add texture and depth. Finally the mask is done and ready to be worn. By punching two holes on both sides a string can be tied to the mask to secure it to the child’s head.