fox mask

Today I got to put a few final touches on this little paper mache fox mask I made.  I wanted shiny fixative and I think I've got it.  It was boy child's idea that we all dress up around the house to compliment our Into the Woods life-is-theatre theme.  This was my first attempt at an actual paper mache mask.  Fairly mixed results, I think.  The curled ear did not please me, but it is strong and lightweight.  Next time I will probably use a thicker cardboard base; this this one I only used cardstock.  I can't say much about my painting, but, hey, you win some, you lose some.  The important part is to not look back and move on to the next project.

Speaking of paper mache, it was very sad for me to learn that my local library could not actually bring in a copy of Jonni Good's How to Make Masks book.  Still, I'm so very grateful to Jonni Good for her excellent video tutorials and all the fantastic information she shares online.  Bless the sharers.  Seriously, free tutorials - people sharing information on making, using, hacking, eating, listening, inspiring - helps me feel optimistic about humanity.  Thank you Internet freebies for restoring my faith in people.

And now, I'm going to try out my new mask and maybe sample a cider.  Foxes, like rats, love fine alcoholic cider. 

and now for something completely different

Or maybe not.  Here is boy child's interpretation of our Into the Woods theme in mask.  Into the Woods apparently means flat-out scary.

The skeletal base of the mask is a paper form found at a local craft store.  Boy child fashioned horns from paperclay and added in the implement that, as the storyline goes (masks always have a story) was an injury incurred during one of his skirmishes with the local villager's mob.  He finished the mask with several coats of acrylic paint.  I swear, I do not let him watch zombie movies, horror thrillers and we, as family, have never participated in a satanic ritual. 

Boy child is rather pleased with his mask.  He would also like me to point out that he also dyed his shirt himself. 

The mask is held on by an elastic I salvaged from a pair of cast of pants (adjustable elastic, you silly pointless stuff my children hate).  In theory, the mask should be able to fit almost anyone's head.  I sewed a button on to loop the elastic on.

I've gotten a few steps into my next mural.  Already I can tell it's not my favorite - too specific, too much someone else's style.  But I haven't added in the main feature yet, so perhaps I'll change my mind.  Pictures to come soon!

owl half mask

I've begun to play a bit with paperclay.  I suppose that with all new materials, there is a bit of a learning curve.  The horns for this goat doll was my first ever try.

Generally, I'm quite pleased with this mask. It is lightweight and fairly strong.  The paint on it is watercolour pencil and a layer of gloss fixative.  I'm choosing to ignore the little cracks in it.

I began with a mask shape made from card stock.  I taped it to the outside of a mixing bowl to give it a rounded shape to fit a face better.

A layer of paperclay and two loooong days of drying...

I did peel off the paper behind, after the clay was dry, but I don't think that was necessary at all.  That may be where my cracks developed, since I couldn't wait patiently and played with a bit before it was completely dry.

The paint is watercolour pencil and then a layer of glossy spray fixative.  I started painting without a plan.  I should of had a plan.  Oh, well, next time.

A plain ribbon to hold on the mask, laced through holes I made.

I even took a selfie or two and didn't die. 

So many ideas for the paperclay!  I have another made for a doll and the childs both have their own mask projects in progress.  Such a versatile and satisfying medium to explore.